Bernard Ovoke’s strike nails Warri Wolves

Bernard Ovoke’s second half strike condemned Warri Wolves to their first home defeat of the season as Rivers United claimed the spoils in a tightly-fought Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest on Sunday.

Ovoke’s goal against Wolves at the Warri City Stadium, his third in two games, was the end product of good work by Chinonso Okonkwo and Godbless Asamoah for the visiting side following a devastating counter attack.

The home side had their moments, particularly in the first half but poor marksmanship from Uremu Egbeta and particularly King Osanga, let them down.

United however had the best chance of the half and it arrived on 24minutes when Obomate Frederick’s goal bound effort was cleared off the line by the Wolves captain, Goodluck Onamado.

Auxiliary striker, Chigozie Ihunda hurt his left knee in the build-up following a clash with the Wolves goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye and had to be stretchered off.

The Wolves attackers continued to pour forward in numbers after the restart but found the two United centre halves, Festus Austin and Olalekan Gabriel in uncompromising mood.

The visitors continued to look menacing on the break and finally got their reward through Ovoke who tapped home Asamoah’s cross from the right from close range, ten minutes after the break.

Ovoke almost scored a second for United in the 72nd minute but drew his shot marginally wide off Ajoboye’s left hand post, after taking the entire Wolves back line to the cleaners.

The electrifying winger was given a standing ovation by the home fans when he was eventually substituted in the 80th minute-a just reward for a barn storming display.

United held on for the win-their second on the road this season-and match winner, Ovoke was understandably pleased with the accomplishment.

“I was pleased to have received a standing ovation from the Warri Wolves fans.

“Right now, I am doing well, but I am still not yet back to my best. I was playing a lot better when I was at (former club) Bayelsa United but slowly, I am getting back there,” Ovoke told said moments after the game.