Nigeria, April 13 -- At this stage of the season, style becomes secondary. What matters is control. What matters is the results. What matters is who blinks first in the title race.

On Sunday evening, Rivers United FC showed they are not blinking.

Against Plateau United FC, games are rarely open. They are fought; physically, mentally, tactically.

And this one was decided early.

Just 10 minutes in, Wisdom Samuel delivered the decisive blow, finishing off a well-worked move created by Taofeek Otaniyi. It was a moment that defined the match and ultimately the destination of all three points.

That goal sealed a narrow but significant 1-0 victory, handing Rivers United their 16th win of the campaign and lifting them back to the top of the ...