Rivers United Beat Warri Wolves 2-0 as Shehu Dabai Scores Again in Strong NPFL Response
Rivers United dusted off their continental disappointment in fine style, making a emphatic return to domestic action with a commanding 2-0 victory at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
After their frustrating exit from the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds on away goals, Finidi George’s men needed a fast response in front of their home supporters.
Facing a Warri Wolves side desperate for their first points of the campaign, the Pride of Rivers showed their class, controlling the tempo and ensuring all three points remained in Port Harcourt.
The opening ten minutes proved to be a cagey affair as both teams fought to establish dominance. However, the host side quickly found their rhythm.
The first clear warning sign came in the 14th minute when Wasiu Falolu’s effort tested the visitors’ keeper following neat play from Shehu Dabai.
Just eight minutes later, that pressure paid off. A brilliant team move saw Falolu thread a precise pass to Ochobi Elias, who delivered a sharp low ball into the box for Dabai to calmly finish.
The goal marks Dabai’s second consecutive strike in as many NPFL matches, having also broken the deadlock in the season opener against Plateau United.
Despite both sides missing further first-half chances, the Port Harcourt Boys took their slim lead into the break with comfortable authority.
The second half remained tightly contested, but Rivers United never looked like relinquishing their grip on the match.
A tactical move in the 68th minute saw the hosts introduce Chinemerem Ugwueze for Falolu. The substitution paid immediate dividends.
Just seven minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Ugwueze latched onto another delightful low cross from the energetic Ochobi to power home a one-time finish on his club debut, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Warri Wolves nearly pulled one back late on when a powerful effort hit the crossbar, but the Pride of Rivers cleared the danger to preserve their clean sheet.
The result extends Rivers United’s dominance over the Delta state outfit—winning seven of their last nine head-to-head encounters—and lifts them to third in the NPFL standings with six points from two home matches.
