Ebube Duru proved to be the hero for Nigerian Premier League champions, Rivers United on the night as he scored the only goal that saw off the stubborn Sunshine Stars in their Nigerian Premier League Super 6 match.

The defending champions were originally tipped to win the game from the get go but Sunshine Stars were not going to make it an easy game for them, as they played their socks off and gave everything on the pitch.

It could have been a different ball game had it not been for the brilliance of Mark Gibson, who dazzled throughout the game, as he took on two defenders before he was brought down in the Sunshine Stars area.

Super Eagles left back, Ebube Duru, would take no chances as he slipped the ball beyond the goalkeeper, sending him the wrong way.

Duru continued to control the game even from the deep as he had another dead ball opportunity, he came quite close to doubling the advantage, but the cross bar would come in the way of what would have been a fine free kick heading for the top corner, beating the goalkeeper.

The rebound off the crossbar was just an inch beyond an on-rushing attacker who would have planted the ball in the back of the net with a simple header.

Sunshine Stars continued to huff and puff as Rivers United seemed to resort to controlling the game instead of going for the kill.

Gibson was stretchered off the pitch as he looked absolutely knackered and was left gasping after;so much effort in the pitch of play.

Rivers United were able to hang on to the win and ensure that they take an early advantage in the Nigerian Premier League Championship Playoffs.