Christian Weli netted the
only goal in the 1-0 win over Heartland in a match day 31 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided on Wednesday.
The midfielder netted with a stunning header off a Bernard Ovoke cross in the 36th minute to send the home fans into raptures.
Heartland battled gamely but failed to equalise as the home side defended in gutsy fashion to close out the win.
The two sides traded chances in an extremely tight second half but there was to be no more scoring as United held out for the win which saw them remain in third place in the NPFL standings behind Wikki Tourists and Enugu Rangers.
Heartland’s head coach, Ransome Madu spoke about the loss of his side, blaming carelessness for the defeat while noting that he would work hard to see that the ‘Naze Millionaires’ escaped the drop at the end of the season.
“The match was balanced but the goal they scored was scored as a result of carelessness by us.
“I am going to work hard with this team as this was just my second game in charge (after replacing Alphonsus Dike at the helm).
“I still believe that Heartland will avoid relegation,” Madu told newsmen.
After the game, Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma voiced his happiness at the win recorded at a crucial stage of the season.
“Heartland is not a pushover even though they are in a precarious position on the log.
“We did not underrate them and that is why you (media) saw a very interesting game.
“I thank my players for their efforts but we must continue working hard”, he said.
Rivers United stay in third place on the NPFL standings with 50 points while Heartland remain in the relegation zone as they have amassed 36 points from their 30 games this season.