Rivers United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt, reigniting their title push at a crucial stage of the season.
Bouncing back from a disappointing away defeat, Rivers United delivered a composed performance to secure maximum points and move two points clear at the top, taking advantage of Enugu Rangers dropping points in a goalless draw away to Niger Tornadoes.
With just a handful of matches left, the league has entered a decisive phase, as the title race remains tight among five clubs, while more than ten teams continue to battle to avoid relegation.
Defending champions Remo Stars suffered another setback on the road, losing 2-1 to Barau FC despite taking the lead. The result lifts Barau FC back into the top ten, while Remo Stars remain deep in trouble in 19th position with four games left to salvage their season.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The point proved vital for Kwara United, who climbed out of the relegation zone on 40 points, level with several other teams locked in the survival fight.
Wikki Tourists recorded the only away victory of the weekend, edging Bayelsa United 1-0 in Yenagoa. The result dragged Bayelsa United deeper into NPFL relegation danger while boosting Wikki’s hopes of survival.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City claimed a convincing 3-0 win over Kano Pillars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The match was briefly disrupted by crowd trouble, with away supporters throwing objects onto the pitch and protesting refereeing decisions.
A similar scoreline was recorded in Aba, where Enyimba FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over Katsina United, a result that lifts them further away from the relegation zone and strengthens their push up the table.
At the bottom end, Kun Khalifa FC kept their survival hopes alive with an emphatic 3-0 win over Warri Wolves in Owerri, although they remain rooted to the foot of the standings on 39 points.
Earlier on Saturday, Bendel Insurance secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Abia Warriors, thanks to a decisive 66th-minute strike from Chinedu Nwosu.
With the title race tightening and the relegation battle becoming increasingly fierce, every point now carries huge significance as the NPFL season edges closer to a dramatic conclusion.
