Ogunbote blames ill luck, intimdation as Rivers United beat Enyimba 2-1

Enyimba Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, whose team lost by 2-1 to Rivers United yesterday in Port Harcourt, believes the result would have been different if luck were on their side. He also blames the intimidation suffered by his players on the eve of the game for the defeat.

Speaking after the game, Ogunbote said the loss was a big dent on their NPFL title ambition, adding, however, that they would now try to win the remaining games of the season.

“The game has been won and lost, it’s unfortunate for us, we really worked hard for the game and came to win and we would have been happy with a draw.

“But I don’t want to talk about the officiating of the game, it’s not in my nature to do so, I leave the for the reporters.

“The intimidation of my players during training sessions also affected their psychology as we were practically forced out of the training going ground,” he said.

On the chances of getting a continental ticket with three matches to go, Ogunbote said: “It’s a difficult task when you have three games to determine whether to get the continental ticket, but I believe our loss here is a temporary setback.

“We thought we could be able to get point, it’s very unfortunate but we will still work hard to see how it goes,”  he said.

A Bernard Ovoke fourth minute free kick and an Abdoulaye Kanoute strike in the 29th minute made Koffi Atchou’s 34th minute goal inconsequential as Rivers United ran away with the crucial victory.

Elsewhere, Kano Pillars defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium with Nwagua Nyima and Skipper Rabiu Alli scoring in the 25th and 27th minute respectively for the home side.‎

Enugu Rangers beat Katsina United 2-1, Wikki Tourists sent back Remo Stars 2-0, while ABS dented league leaders, Plateau United’s run with a 2-0 defeat.

Lagos side, MFM FC are now on the shoulders of Plateau United following their 1-0 defeat of Gombe United, the same scoreline that separated FC IfeanyiUbah and Akwa United in Nnewi.

Lobi Stars held off Kanemi Warriors 3-2, Sunshine Stars edged Niger Tornadoes 2-1, while Shooting Stars were 2-0 better than Nasarawa United.