Rivers Reclaim Top Spot As Insurance Resurgence Continues.
Rivers United have surged back to the top of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) standings after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors at home, while a disappointing 2-0 loss for Remo Stars at Katsina United saw them slip to second place.
The highlight of Rivers’ triumph came courtesy of Ndifreke Effiong, who netted a second-half penalty to secure all three points for the Port Harcourt side. With the win, Rivers United now top the league table with 25 points from 13 matches.
Remo Stars, who had held the top spot for several weeks, now find themselves in second place with 23 points. El Kanemi Warriors are close behind in third, having moved up to 22 points following a narrow 1-0 victory over Akwa United.
Enyimba, despite their ongoing involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage against Al Masry, are in fourth place with 20 points and a game in hand.
At the other end of the table, Nasarawa United’s struggles continued as they slipped to the bottom after a 2-0 defeat to Plateau United. Nasarawa now sit in 20th place with just 12 points from 13 matches. Plateau United, in contrast, moved up to 13th with 15 points, while Lobi Stars’ 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars left them in 17th place with 13 points.
Akwa United and Bendel Insurance are not far ahead, both on 12 points, occupying 18th and 19th positions respectively.
Here’s a roundup of the NPFL Matchday 13 results:
– Bendel Insurance 3-1 Kwara United
– Lobi Stars 2-2 Kano Pillars
– Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City
– El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Akwa United
– Heartland FC 0-0 Rangers International
– Plateau United 2-0 Nasarawa United
– Rivers United 1-0 Abia Warriors
– Katsina United 2-0 Remo Stars
– 3SC 1-0 Bayelsa United
– Enyimba FC vs Sunshine (Postponed)
With the season progressing, the competition for the top and bottom spots remains tight, with relegation-threatened sides like Nasarawa, Lobi, and Akwa United fighting to secure their survival.