NPFL: Rivers United beaten by Bendel Insurance as title race tightens

Rivers United missed the chance to strengthen their position at the top of the NPFL after losing 2-1 to Bendel Insurance in Benin City.

The defeat leaves the leading three clubs level on 17 points, although Rangers International have played two matches fewer than both Rivers United and Nasarawa United.

Freeman Wuchirwe put Bendel Insurance ahead three minutes after half-time, before Chijioke Mbaoma brought Rivers United level in the 73rd minute. Jonathan James then settled the match by scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute.

Soccernet had previewed the fixture in its Bendel v Rivers article.

Weekend results

Nasarawa United moved level with the leaders after beating Enyimba 1-0, with Jofrank Istifanus scoring in the 23rd minute.

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 1-0 victory away to Abia Warriors in Aba. Wasiu Jimoh scored the only goal in the 56th minute.

Ikorodu City drew 2-2 with Shooting Stars. Donald Obiajulu scored both of Ikorodu City’s goals, while Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian were on target for Shooting Stars.

Barau FC and Kwara United shared a 1-1 draw, while Wolves played out a goalless draw with Kano Pillars. Kun Khalifat beat Inter Lagos 1-0.

According to the table published by Premium Times, Rivers United remain top on 17 points with a goal difference of +10. Rangers International are second on 17 points with a +5 goal difference, while Nasarawa United occupy third place with 17 points and a +3 goal difference.

Plateau United are fourth on 15 points.

At the other end of the table, Abia Warriors are 17th on 10 points. Ranchers Bees are 18th on eight points and Enyimba are 19th, also with eight points. Inter Lagos are bottom in 20th place on two points after being deducted three points.

Rangers have chance to go clear

Rivers United retain first place only because of their superior goal difference. Rangers International’s two matches in hand give them the opportunity to establish a clear lead.

Winning both games would take Rangers International to 23 points, six more than Rivers United’s current total. Soccernet outlined the reasons for Rangers’ advantage in its Matchday 9 analysis.

The defeat by Nasarawa United leaves Enyimba in the bottom three, with the club on eight points after nine matches.

Rivers United will host Rangers International at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday 1 November.