Controversial Decision helps Rivers United beat Tornadoes

Rivers United needed a controversial decision from centre referee to beat Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in the NPFL on Tuesday.

The Referee chalked off what appeared a legitimate goal which would have seen Tornadoes level 1-1 in the keenly contested game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

It was an eventful first half, and in the opening seven minutes Kazie Enyinnaya opened scoring for Rivers United.

The forward capitalised on a defensive mix up as he connected a well taken free kick and headed the ball beyond the reach of Lucky Abdullahi who watched in awe as the ball sailed into the back of the net.

Niger Tornadoes thought they had equalized when defender Charles Okafor connected Munir Idris’ brilliant corner kick and blasted the ball into the net after Rivers United goalkeeper Saidu Mutawakilu completely misjudged the ball and punched the air.

The goal was then ruled out for an infringement, but video footage showed there was no contact made on goalkeeper and the goal should have stood.

Tornadoes continued to put pressure on the hosts and were duly rewarded when rampaging David Okoromi was hacked down inside the area and left the centre referee no option than point to the spot.

Waheed Adebayo stepped out and smartly converted for his first goal of the season and parity restored.

Just as the visitors were trying to regroup, the hosts were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and experienced attacker Morice Chukwu curled home a brilliant free kick beyond Lucky Abdullahi to end the first half.

Second half resumed, with the same intensity as the first half, as the two teams continue to search for more goal.

Munir Idris came close when he drived into the area and unleashed a low shot that went a little wide off the post.

It ended in a win for Rivers United and the victory means they went straight on top of the table.

While Niger Tornadoes dropped one place and occupied the third position on the NPFL Group “B” log.