NPFL MD8: Rivers United pick win in Niger Tornadoes to reach league summit

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers United edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to replace Remo Stars at the top of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after Matchday eight.

A second-half strike by Seiyefa Jackson lifted the Pride of Rivers to a narrow victory up North, giving them 20 points from eight games and sending them to the top of the table.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City FC continued their impressive resurgence with a 4-2 win over Lobi Stars. Salaudeen Taiwo Yusuf, Emmanuel Solomon, Solomon Alade, and Rivio Agemwenre all got on the score sheet for the Oga Boys, while a brace from Ifeanyi Assurance couldn’t prevent Lobi Stars from suffering their first defeat under new coach Daniel Amokachi.

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars secured a 1-0 victory over Katsina United, with Mustapha Agba scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

In a tightly contested match, Akwa United and defending champions Rangers International played out a goalless draw, sharing the spoils in Uyo.

The previous day, Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors, El-Kanemi Warriors, and Remo Stars all enjoyed wins in their respective fixtures.

With their win, Rivers United now top the NPFL standings with 20 points, two ahead of Remo Stars, who sit in second place. The Sky Blue Stars maintain a comfortable four-point lead over third-placed Enyimba FC.

At the other end of the table, Lobi Stars remain rooted to the bottom with just six points, level with Heartland FC and Akwa United, who also struggle in the early stages of the season.

2024/2025 NPFL Matchday 8 Results

Ikorodu City 4-2 Lobi Stars

Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Rivers United

Akwa United 0-0 Rangers International

Shooting Stars 1-0 Katsina United

Bayelsa United 1-0 Heartland FC

Kano Pillars 1-1 Kwara United

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Nasarawa United

Abia Warriors 3-1 Plateau United

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Enyimba FC

Remo Stars 1-0 Bendel Insurance