Enyimba FC have notched up an unfavourable record as they are yet to defeat Rivers United in Port Harcourt in the last 12 years.
This record remains intact after losing 2-0 to the table-toppers in the concluding round of the Match Day 23 of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
Following this loss, Rivers United have now claimed a double over top rival, Enyimba after losing 1-0 at home in the Match Day 3 encounter.
Rivers United has never won the league title and have shown no signs of slowing down as they match towards winning the league for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Enyimba.
The Finidi George’s side had begun the game in an impressive manner but their early forays were cut down in the 21st minute.
Rivers United were awarded a penalty after Enyimba’s Austin Oladapo’s late challenge on Ishaq Rafiu inside the box.
Rafiu luckily converted the penalty kick to score his 12th goal of the campaign.
Spurred by that goal, the hosts tried to double their lead in the 31st minute with Chijioke Akuneto finding his strike-partner Nyima Nwagua who flashed his effort wide.
However, three minutes later, the league leaders finally doubled their advantage through Chiamaka Madu who slotted home from close range after Enyimba fail to clear their lines as the first half ended 2-0.
With the restart of the second half, Finidi made some changes to the personnel as he tried to avoid a 9th league loss.
Every effort to get back in the game in the second half failed as Rivers United lead the table with 52 points, four more than second-placed Plateau United while Enyimba remain rooted in the 9th position with 32 points.
The two sides have now met 24 times in the last 12 seasons, with Enyimba having more wins from the encounters. The People’s Elephant have 10 victories compared to Rivers’ eight wins now.
Enyimba have only won once at Port Harcourt in their last 12 seasons. That only victory was in 2015 when Enyimba defeated Rivers 2-1.
Rivers United also recorded its first away victory over Enyimba in the last 12 years this season on matchday three of the NPFL season.
