NPFL: Rivers FC bounce back to claim top spot

Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rivers United, climbed back to the top of the 2024/25 table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Meanwhile, title rivals Remo Stars stumbled with a 2-0 loss against Katsina United, creating an opening for Rivers United to regain their position.

Ndifreke Effiong’s decisive 58th-minute penalty secured the crucial three points for Finidi George’s side, marking their first win in six matches.

Rivers United had been struggling with form since their last victory against Shooting Stars (3SC) on October 17, enduring a rough patch that included two losses.

However, the team showed resilience with a goalless draw against Remo Stars in Ikenne last week.

This result, combined with Remo Stars’ slip-up in Katsina, allowed the 2022 champions to reclaim their lead in the league standings.

With renewed momentum, Rivers United will be looking to maintain consistency as the season progresses, while Remo Stars face the challenge of bouncing back to keep their title hopes alive.

For Katsina United, it was also a return to winning ways after losing 2-1 at home against Ikorodu City two weeks ago.

Midfielder Azeez Falolu scored his fourth goal of the season for the Chanji Boys opener against Remo in the second half and Boslam Dawi added the second to seal a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Anthony Okachi also scored his second goal in consecutive games as his lone goal powered 3SC to a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United in Ibadan.

In Jos, a 51st-minute own goal by Nasarawa United’s Shina Kumater plus another late penalty from Olawale Doyeni condemned Nasarawa United to their seventh defeat of the season and also sent them to the bottom of the table.

After 13 matches, the relegation battle is still a neck-and-neck race with Bendel Insurance, Akwa United (12 points each ) and Lobi Stars (13 points) sitting above Nasarawa United.