Rivers United’s unbeaten NPFL run ended by Bendel Insurance in stoppage time

Bendel Insurance brought Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season to an end with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Benin City on Sunday.

Jonathan James scored the decisive goal in stoppage time to complete a memorable win for the Benin Arsenal, after both teams had fought for control throughout an entertaining contest.

Rivers United fell behind three minutes after half-time when Freeman Wuchirwe put Bendel Insurance ahead. The visitors responded with 17 minutes remaining, Chijioke Mbaoma scoring to level the match.

The game appeared to be heading for a draw before James struck late to give Bendel Insurance all three points and inflict Rivers United’s first defeat of the campaign.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Shooting Stars in the South-West derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

The Oluyole Warriors took command through Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian, who put Shooting Stars 2-0 ahead. Donald Obiajulu then scored twice for the hosts to secure a point.

Niger Tornadoes claimed the day’s only away win, defeating Abia Warriors 1-0 in Aba. Wasiu Jimoh scored the only goal four minutes before the hour mark, earning maximum points for the Ikon Allah Boys.

Nasarawa United also secured a narrow home victory, beating nine-time Nigerian champions Enyimba 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium.

Jofrank Istifanus broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, and his goal proved enough to give the Solid Miners a valuable three points.

Barau FC and Kwara United shared the points after a 1-1 draw in Kano. Anthony Sunday gave Barau FC the lead five minutes before half-time, while Goodluck Ogbolu equalised for Kwara United three minutes after the hour mark.

There was also no winner in Ozoro, where Warri Wolves and four-time league champions Kano Pillars played out a goalless draw. Neither side managed to find a breakthrough.

Kun Khalifat completed Sunday’s NPFL fixtures with a 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos.

Sunday’s results were:

– Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United
– Barau FC 1-1 Kwara United
– Abia Warriors 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
– Ikorodu City 2-2 Shooting Stars
– Kun Khalifat 1-0 Inter Lagos
– Nasarawa United 1-0 Enyimba
– Warri Wolves 0-0 Kano Pillars