Evoke savours win over Kano Pillars

Rivers United hero Bernard Ovoke has remained humble despite his excellent display in his side’s 1-0 win over Kano Pillars in a week 12 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port-Harcourt on Sunday.

Second half substitute, Ovoke, struck nine minutes after he was introduced to hand Rivers United three points at stake in the game.

Ovoke turned the game on its head after he was thrown into the fray in the 69th minute by the Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma.

 “I just want to say ‘thank you’ to God Almighty who made it possible for me,” Ovoke said.

His mazy run at the death almost resulted in United’s second goal but he was hacked down cynically by Pillars’ Jonathan Zikiye who received a yellow card for his troubles.

The electrifying winger took the set-piece himself and it was headed for the top left hand corner before the Pillars goalkeeper, David Obiazo produced a spectacular flying save right out of the top drawer to keep the score at 1-0 to the hosts.

United had looked largely unimaginative before Ovoke’s introduction with Pillars comfortably dealing with the sporadic attacking forays of the Pride of Rivers in the opening 45 minutes.

Eguma elected to start pint-sized midfielder, Obomate Frederick for the first time since the match day seven 0-1 reverse to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan on March 19.

The former Sharks star almost scored the opener in the 29th minute when his fluke-like long distance effort was tipped over for a corner by Obiazo.

Obomate came close again less than a minute later, planting a diving header inches wide off Obiazo’s right hand post following a brilliant delivery by Chigozie Ihunda.

Yusuf Jaiyeola was the next Rivers United player to miss as his fierce drive from the edge of the box was blocked in the face by Jamiu Alimi in the 43rd minute.

Pillars finally had their first shot on target on the stroke of half time when substitute, Emmanuel Edmund was denied at the second time of asking by the Rivers United goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi.

Clear-cut opportunities for both sides were at a premium in the second half until Ovoke was introduced in place of Wilson Andoh.