The energetic forward, who scored the decisive goal against Rangers FC last Wednesday, fired the ball beyond Ojo Olorunleke after Stephen Gopey had found him free inside the goal area.

Rivers United could have doubled their lead shortly after but Lookman Binayo drove a shot straight at the Warriors keeper.

Abia Warriors had a few half-chances but failed to get level before the break with the best chance off Nzube Anaezemba.

Abia Warriors came out strongly after the break and went close with efforts from Samson Paul as well as Arit Archibong but United had goalkeeper Abiodun Akande and the woodwork to thank.

Imama Amakapabo’s men almost got an equaliser when Chukwuemeka Obioma failed to connect a near perfect cross from Samson Paul but the three points went to Rivers United who had to play the last 17 minutes with ten men after Nelson Esor received a second yellow card for a poorly-timed tackle.

Rivers United now have six points out of a possible six but were made to work for their victory over an Abia Warriors side who caused them plenty of problems.

ELSEWHERE

Rabiu Ali scored his second goal in as many games as Kano Pillars made light work of Katsina United in the Northwest derby to notch up a first league win on Sunday.

The ageless 40-year-old who became the first player to score in nine consecutive seasons in the Nigeria Professional Football League since records began when he netted in the draw at Adamawa United on the opening weekend, scored Pillars’ second to get them off the mark for the season.

Sai Masu Gida had taken an early lead when David Ebuka put them ahead at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium after just seven minutes before Ali doubled the lead twenty minutes later.

RESULTS

SAT

Abia Warriors0 - 1Rivers United FC

January 3 SUN

FTDakkada FC2 - 1Jigawa Golden Stars

FTEnugu Rangers1 - 0Akwa United

FTHeartland Owerri1 - 2Nasarawa United

FTKano Pillars2 - 0Katsina United

FTLobi Stars1 - 0MFM FC

FTSunshine Stars1 - 0Ifeanyi Ubah United

FTWarri Wolves FC1 - 0Adamawa United