Rivers United grab continental ticket, stop Bendel Insurance unbeaten run

Bendel Insurance players lost 2-1 to Rivers United at the on-going championship play-off in Lagos. Pix by Africa Top Sport

Bendel Insurance unbeaten streak in the Nigeria Professional Football League came to an end yesterday, after losing 2-1 to Rivers United at the on-going championship play-off in Lagos.

Rivers United broke loose after securing their second win of a match. In the first match yesterday, they beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 to secure the top spot and also a guarantee to go continental next season.

They are certain to finish among the top three. They also became the first side to double a lead at 2-0 before Bendel Insurance pulled a goal back in the last seconds of the match.

Bendela Insurance draw galore is also over having drawn 11 of their previous 12 matches. They also risk not having a continental ticket via the play-off.

Their attention may now be focused on the Federation Cup in Asaba where, if they win, they will secure a slot for the CAF Confederation Cup. With the clock ticking down in the first half, Morice Chukwu broke the deadlock for Rivers United in the fourth minute of the added time.

On the dot of regulation time, Joseph Onoja doubled the lead before Super Eagles invitee, Divine Chukwu, pulled a goal back for Bendel Insurance in the fifth minute of the added time.

As at the time of this report yesterday, two other matches were being awaited, as last-placed Lobi Stars face continental ticket hopeful, Remo Stars, while fifth-placed Sunshine Stars are pitched against second-placed Enyimba in the last match of the day.

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