By George Akpayen
Rivers United captain Nyima Nwagua led by example in his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against Doma United by scoring all three goals that ensured his side won 3-2 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Nwagua scored in the first half which was cancelled out by Bidemi Owoku’s strike. The former Kano Pillars man added two in the second half while Hillary Ekawu netted a late consolation for Doma United.
The Rivers club started faster off the blocks in the early moments and their high pressing paid off in the seventh minute when Doma United goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi could only palm Alex Oyowah’s attempt back into play which allowed Nwagua to finish off for the opening goal.
On 32 minutes, a defensive error by Rivers United allowed Owoku to steal in and score past Abiodun Akande to take the score to 1-1 and into the break.
In the second 45 minutes, Nwagua took the game by the scruff of the neck. First, he directed his header past Osayi on 47 minutes to restore Rivers United’s lead.
Eight minutes later, the Nwagua show was complete. The striker was in the right place at the right time to aim his headed attempt at goal off Paul Odeh’s brilliant cross.
At 3-1, Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma decided to withdraw Nwagua a minute after his goal for Ivorian striker Yao Bernard Kouassi.
There was still time for Doma United to trim the lead of the home team to one when Ekawu scored from close range on 88 minutes.
Nwagua has now taken his tally this season in the NPFL to five and will take his new form to table-topping Remo Stars on Sunday, February 25.