Bayelsa United earned a vital win over Rivers United in the Nigeria Premier League match day 8 encounter to end the former champions' unbeaten run on Monday morning, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Prosperity Boys edged the Pride of Rivers 1-2 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, as Rivers suffered only their second defeat at home in the last five years, which both came from Bayelsa United
After edging the proceedings, the visitors were in front after 28 minutes following a goal from Shuaibu Garba from an Emo James pass.
Rivers United came close to an equalizer with a chance, but the ball hit the woodwork on 40 minutes as the first 45 minutes ended in favour of Bayelsa United.
In the second half, Rivers United pushed for the equalizer, but a save by goalkeeper Chisom on 58 minutes kept the scoreline the same.
Bayelsa made a double substitution on 67 minutes as Kehinde Malik and Chinedu Emmanuel came in for Ifeanyi Ogba and Sheddy Kenneth.
And three minutes later, Chinedu Emmanuel made an instant impact to double the lead following a beautiful assist from Emo James.
Rivers United piled up pressure to score, but resolute defending and goalkeeping kept the scoreline the same until the 90th minute.
However, Stephen Manyo pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but it only proved to be a consolation goal, as Rivers' impressive start to the new season suffered a setback.
The result takes Rivers United to 4th with 12 points after seven matches, while Bayelsa United are 11th with 11 points after eight matches.
Uche Dozie