NPFL MD 17 Wrap: Rivers return to League summit as Remo shares spoils at Ikorodu City

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers United returned to the top of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a 2-1 win against Kwara United in Port Harcourt on Matchday 17 on Sunday.

Timothy Zachariah and David Benjamin completed a comeback for the Pride of Rivers after Akeem Akanni had opened the scoring for the Harmony Boys in the 18th minute.

In Lagos, ten-man Remo Stars dropped to second place after a 1-1 draw with Ikorodu City in South West derby.

Ibrahim Shuaibu scored the first goal of the game in the eighth minute before the Sky Blue Stars were reduced to ten-player after Ahmed Akinyele received a red card on the hour mark.

Chineme Chinonso salvaged a point for the Oga Boys with a late goal in the 90th minute.

Third-placed Rangers International placed out a 0-0 draw at Katsina United.

Goals from Ibrahim Mustapha, Nasiru Salihu, and Aminu Mohamed peopled El Kanemi Warriors to a 3-0 success against Abia Warriors.

Niger Tornadoes also secured a handsome 4-1 win over Sunshine Stars with goals from Ernest Onyeka, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Abba Khalid, and Godstime Joseph.

In Yenegoa, Bayelsa United had to come from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over Akwa United.

Chijioke Alaekwe opened scoring for the Promise Keepers in the 23rd minute but the host fought back to win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Sadiq Auwal and Yahaya Ibrahim.

Bendel Insurance forced Heartland FC to a 1-1 draw as Michael Enaruna cancelled out Promise Anyanwu’s opener for the host.

Overall, Rivers United top the log with 32 points after 17 games, two points ahead of Remo Stars and four points better than Rangers International FC.

Nasarawa United (18 points), Sunshine Stars (18 points), Bendel Insurance (17 points), and Akwa United (16 points) occupy the last four positions on the table.