NPFL Rivers United Return to NPFL Summit as 3SC end Rangers’ unbeaten run
Rivers United have surged back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after an emphatic home win, Shooting Stars halted Rangers’ impressive run, while Ikorodu City and Warri
- By Tunde Liadi
Rivers United have surged back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after an emphatic home win, Shooting Stars halted Rangers’ impressive run, while Ikorodu City and Warri Wolves delivered a seven-goal spectacle that underlined the excitement of the run-in as Matchday 32 were concluded yesterday.
The NPFL Matchday 32 unfolded with breath-taking intensity, producing a dramatic change of baton at the top, statement victories, and a goal-laden thriller that lit up Lagos.
After a difficult spell that saw them lose four consecutive games, Rivers United bounced back in emphatic fashion, defeating Kun Khalifat 4-2 to reclaim top spot with 55 points.
It was a complete attacking display from the Pride of Rivers as Aniekeme Okon (16’) opened the scoring before Kun Khalifat responded through Abdulrafiu Omolabi (24’) and Sunday Adehi (38’). Rivers United, however, showed resilience with Iyowuna Douglas netting twice (40’, 82’) and Handsome Surveyor with the other goal to seal a crucial win that returned them to the summit.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, ending Rangers International’s eight-game unbeaten streak with a convincing 3-1 victory.
After a tense first half, Sodiq Ibrahim (50’) broke the deadlock but the Flying Antelopes equalised not long after. Desmond Ojietefian (78’) put the Ibadan side in the ascendancy again before Adams Mustapha (88’) put the game beyond doubt late on, as the Oluyole Warriors climbed to 5th place with 50 points. Rangers, meanwhile, slipped to 2nd with 54 points, surrendering top spot.
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos hosted a pulsating encounter as Ikorodu City edged Warri Wolves 4-3 in a game filled with attacking brilliance.
Abayomi Ayodeji (8’) set the tone early before Joseph Arumala (24’) extended the lead, with an own goal (42’) further boosting Ikorodu City’s advantage. Tosin Oyedokun (54’) added the fourth, but Warri Wolves fought back through Chisom Ogbuu (26’) and a brace from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma (53’ PEN, 90’), falling just short in a thrilling contest.
The victory lifted Ikorodu City to 3rd with 52 points, while Warri Wolves dropped to 13th with 40 points.
The Abia derby delivered late drama as Enyimba defeated Abia Warriors 2-1, thanks to a sensational stoppage-time winner.
After a cagey affair, Chidera Michael (61’) put Enyimba ahead, but Emeka Obioma (88’) looked to have rescued a point for Abia Warriors. However, Michael struck again in stoppage time (90’) to hand Enyimba a vital win.
The People’s Elephant remain 15th with 39 points, just two above the relegation zone, while Abia Warriors slipped to 6th with 49 points.
A dramatic encounter saw Alex Oweilayefa (14’) give Insurance the lead before Monday Gideon (41’) equalized. Kayode Oke (59’ PEN) restored the advantage, but Vincent Temitope (90+3’ PEN) salvaged a point late for Plateau United.
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Insurance remain 7th on 46 points while Plateau United are in 9th with 43 points.
A tense battle decided by a late penalty from Abdulsalam Abdulsalam (90+6’ PEN) boosted Kwara United’s survival hopes.
Kwara United are 18th with 36 points while Nasarawa United dropped to 4th (50 points).
Late goals from Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (81’) and Terdoo Shimagande (90’) secured maximum points for the Ikon Allah Boys. Tornadoes sit 11th (42 points); Wikki Tourists fall to 19th (36 points).
Adewale Yusuf (7’) gave El-Kanemi an early lead before Victor Mbaoma (36’) equalized for Remo Stars, who earned their first away point of the second stanza.
El-Kanemi are 10th (43 points); Remo Stars move to 17th (37 points).
A dominant display in Yenagoa eased Bayelsa United’s relegation worries as they climbed to 14th (40 points), while Kano Pillars slipped to 16th , just two points above the drop zone.
Just like their first stanza meeting, both sides settled for a stalemate in a closed-door encounter.
At the foot of the standings, the Pride of Imo remains bottom with 33 points, as the relegation battle intensifies heading into the final stretch of the season.
NPFL Matchday 32 Results
El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Remo Stars
Shooting Stars 3-1 Rangers
Barau FC 0-0 Katsina United
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists
Enyimba 2-1 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 4-1 Kano Pillars
Ikorodu City 4-3 Warri Wolves
Rivers United 4-2 Kun Khalifat
Insurance 2-2 Plateau United
Kwara United 1-0 Nasarawa United
