Rivers United suffered their first defeat of the season after Bendel Insurance secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in Benin on Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Meanwhile, Ikorodu City fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Shooting Stars in an exciting South West derby.
The league leaders arrived in Edo hoping to extend their nine match unbeaten run. However, Bendel Insurance had other plans after a goalless first half.
Freeman Wuchirwe broke the deadlock in the 48th minute to put the hosts ahead. Rivers United responded strongly, and Chijioke Mbaoma restored parity in the 73rd minute.
The visitors looked set to claim another point on the road and preserve their unbeaten record. However, substitute Jonathan James struck in the 90th minute to seal all three points for Bendel Insurance and spark celebrations in Benin.
The defeat leaves Rivers United on 17 points, level with Nasarawa United. Rivers remain top of the table, while Nasarawa sit third because of the goal difference between the sides.
Ikorodu City Rally as NPFL Matchday 10 Delivers Late Drama
In Lagos, Ikorodu City produced an impressive comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars in the highly contested South-West Derby.
The visitors made a flying start, with Otaniyi Taofeek scoring in the third minute. Desmond Ojietefian then doubled their lead in the 36th minute, leaving the hosts with a difficult task.
However, Ikorodu City refused to give up. Donald Obiajulu pulled one back in the 44th minute before scoring again in the 83rd minute to rescue a point for the Oga Boys.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes claimed a valuable 1-0 away win against Abia Warriors in Umuahia. Wasiu Jimoh scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute to give coach Kabiru Dogo’s side all three points.
The defeat exposed Abia Warriors inconsistent form once again. They have now suffered four defeats this season and dropped into the NPFL relegation zone with 10 points.
Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars played out a goalless draw in Ozoro. The result marked Kano Pillars’ sixth draw of the campaign and left them eighth with 15 points. Warri Wolves sit 14th with 12 points.
In Kano, Barau FC dropped points at home for the second successive match after drawing 1-1 with Kwara United.
Anthony Sunday gave Barau the lead in the 40th minute. However, Goodluck Ogbolu equalised for Kwara United in the 63rd minute, and the visitors held on to secure a hard earned point. Barau remain sixth with 15 points.
Kun Khalifat also secured an important victory, beating Inter Lagos 1-0 in Owerri. Substitute Benjamin Onyemaechi scored the winner in the 69th minute to lift his side out of the relegation zone and into 14th place with 12 points.
The defeat extended Inter Lagos difficult run. They have now lost seven matches this season and remain bottom of the table with just two points.
Nasarawa United strengthened their position near the top with a 1-0 win over Enyimba in Lafia. Jofrank Istifanus scored in the 23rd minute to secure the victory.
The result moved Nasarawa United to 17 points, level with Rivers United. However, they remain third because of goal difference.
Earlier on Saturday, Katsina United staged a late comeback to draw 2-2 with Plateau United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Plateau United took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by a Katsina United player. They then looked set for victory when Ibrahim scored their second goal in the 80th minute.
Katsina responded almost immediately. Yusha’u Armiya’u reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute to give the home supporters hope.
The hosts completed the comeback in the third minute of stoppage time when Umar Rabi’u scored from close range. His late equaliser sparked celebrations and denied Plateau United all three points.
With several close contests and late goals, Matchday 10 of the NPFL delivered a major change at the top of the table. Rivers United’s unbeaten run is over, but their 17 points keep them in first place as the NPFL campaign continues.
