Rivers United forward Chijioke Akuneto scored the first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) hat-trick of the 2021/2022 season.
The forward broke the record in a matchday 19 fixture of the season against reigning Champions Akwa United Football Club of Uyo on Sunday.
Akuneto scored his first of the afternoon to double his side’s lead in the 12th minutes after leading scorer Ishaq Rafiu had put the home side in front in the 7th minutes.
He then scored his second and third in the 28th and 43rd minutes respectively to compound Akwa United’s woes.
The Uyo-based side were saved some blushes as midfielder Austin Osayande rescued one following a nice cut-back cross from winger Wisdom Fernando to score his first goal for the club in 60th minutes.
Akwa United have now conceded seven goals in two games after a 3-0 humiliating home defeat by Rivers United on March day 18.
The defending Champions are left 6th on the log with 27 points from 19 matches as the season enters its mid-season break.
