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By Ebube Dike

Rivers United of Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday emerged champions of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season without kick a ball.

The Port Harcourt based side won the league title for the first time ever in their history after their closest rivals, Plateau United lost 2-1 to former champions, Akwa United in Uyo.

The result at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo means Rivers United have an unassailable 10-point lead over Plateau United with three games left.

David Onovo put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute but Jesse Akila brought the visitors back into the game following this equalizing goal in the 52nd minute. However, Leo Ezekiel’s 90th minute strike ensured that Plateau United left Uyo empty handed.

A guard of honour is expected to be mounted for Rivers United as they confront Nasarawa United in a matchday 35 tie on Sunday (today) 26th June 2022 at the Jos Township Stadium.

Rivers United was founded in 2016 after the Rivers state government got permission to merge Dolphins FC and Sharks FC. Both clubs were run by the state government and were having difficulty with finances off the pitch.

Sharks were relegated to the First Division in 2015 while Dolphins had barely escaped after a 2–2 draw on the final day. Rivers United’ crest contains both a shark and a dolphin as a result of the merge.

Stanley Eguma was appointed Rivers’ first coach and led them to a win in their first ever league match, 1–0 over Enyimba.