2024/25 NPFL MD 21: Rivers United drop points in the title race

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers United missed the chance of returning to second position on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) log for the 2024/2025 season after a 2-2 draw with Bendel Insurance on Thursday.

Insurance went ahead in the sixth minute thanks to Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi in Port Harcourt.

Ubong Friday restored parity for the Pride of Rivers in the 35th minute.

Five minutes into the second half, Uche Collins restored the Insurance’s lead, but the lead lasted two minutes, after which Handsome Surveyor equalized to ensure that both sides shared spoils.

A penalty in the additional minutes of the second half from Muhammad Ibrahim handed Katsina United a 1-0 win over Plateau United.

Niger Tornadoes, on the other hand, edged Kwara United 2-1 thanks to Ifeanyi Okechukwu and Abdulrasheed Dabai’s goal.

Junior Aimufua pulled a goal back for the Harmony Boys but it wasn’t enough.

Finally, Enyimba FC forced Heartland FC to a 1-1 draw in Aba.

Daniel Ekpo opened the scoring for Heartland in the 18th minute from the penalty spot before Joseph Atule equalized in the 55th minute.

At the end of the matchday, Remo Stars maintained their six-point lead over Shooting Stars Sports Club, which had an outstanding match.

Rivers United occupied third place with 34 points, while Insurance also maintained its 17th position with 22 points ahead of Lobi Stars (21), Akwa United (21), and Nasarawa United (20).