Rivers United saw their Nigeria Premier Football League title hopes take a major hit after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium reports Trybal News.
The visitors came into the match looking to respond to Rangers International win over El Kanemi Warriors, but were quickly on the back foot as the hosts made a blistering start. Ngei Oluka Efor opened the scoring early before Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the advantage moments later, leaving Rivers United struggling to settle.
The pressure continued to mount and Chimezie Victor added a third in the 15th minute, capping a dominant opening spell from Nasarawa United. Rivers managed a brief response when Taiwo Abdulrafiu pulled one back in the 24th minute to give the visitors a lifeline before the break.
However, any hopes of a comeback were effectively ended just before the hour mark when JoFrank Istifanus restored Nasarawa United’s three goal cushion, sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side.
The result lifts Nasarawa United to third on the table with 50 points from 31 matches, while Rivers United remain second on 52 points, missing the chance to reclaim top spot in the title race.
Elsewhere in Umuahia, Abia Warriors secured a 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes concluding matchday 31 fixtures. Suraju Lawal gave the hosts an early lead before Casmir Azubuike doubled their advantage in the second half. Joseph Godfrey pulled one back late on, but Abia Warriors held firm to claim all three points and move up to fifth on 49 points.
