Rivers United, a Port Harcourt based side, have won this year’s Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL.
Rivers United in a pre-match photo. They are Nigerian champions
They emerged champions on Sunday after their closest rivals Plateau United lost 2-1 to Akwa United.
The loss gave the Port Harcourt side, nursed by Governor Nyesom Wike, the Pillar of Sports in Africa (POS), a clear lead with three rounds of matches still to play.
United top the table with approximately 71 points from 34 matches, 10 points clear of Plateau United, who have already played 35 matches.
Remo Stars are a distant third on the table with 53 points.
Chijioke Akuneto scores hatrick against Akwa United.
The Rivers side, champions of Nigeria, would be expected to play in the CAF Champions League next season.
Back home, football lovers are getting set to celebrate Rivers United and the Rivers State Government for bringing honour to the State.
Beginning from the era of the Port Harcourt Red Devils, Port Harcourt has been blessed with teams like Sharks featuring great names like Jossy Dombraye, and Eagle Cement FC which metamorphosed into Dolphin.
Ishaq Kayode and Chijioke Akuneto bang goals and more goals.
In 2016, the Sharks and the Dolphins merged under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike to give birth to Rivers United.
Winning the NPFL is the first major honour for Rivers United.
Chijioke Akunetoand Ishaq Kayode who plays in the wings are leading scorers from the Port Harcourt side.
Dazzle of a gangling Rivers United attacker.
The league’s joint leading scorer Chijoke has 16 goals in the bag while winger Ishaq has netted 15 goals.
According to The Guardian, the Rivers State Government has turned Rivers United into one of the best-run clubs in Nigeria.