Goals in each half from Nyima Nwagua and Yao Bernard ensured that Rivers United picked the maximum points against Bayelsa United in a rescheduled Match Day 12 Nigeria Premier Football League game.
The South-South derby was decided at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Rivers United opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Deputy Echeta made a darting run from the flanks to find Nwagua, who finished brilliantly for the hosts.
Moments later, Robert Mizo came close to restore parity but his effort from outside the box went wide after he was put through on goal.
In the 22nd minute, Nwagua laid a pass onto Shedrack Asiegbu, who unleashed a left-footed shot for the goalkeeper to punch it out for a corner kick.
At the restart, the visitors upped their game but were denied by the solid centre-backs of the Pride of Rivers who defended solidly.
Rivers United got the two-goal cushion courtesy of Yao Bernard who headed home off a sublime cross by Samuel Antwi in the 85th minute to ensure that the hosts ran out victorious.
In his post-match reaction, Technical Adviser of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma commended his players for being resolute saying that they showed hunger for the victory.
On his part, Meremu Okara of Bayelsa United hailed his players for putting in a good fight adding that they failed to convert their chances in the game.
Rivers United will take on Club Africain in their next CAF Confederation Cup game while Bayelsa United will confront Plateau United in the NPFL
