Tag: Rivers United

The hopes of Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers United, reaching the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League  has suffered a major setback on Sunday following a shock home defeat  yesterday to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in Uyo.

Rivers United had boosted their qualification chances with an impressive away draw against the same opponents on Matchday 3 in Zambia, raising expectations of a crucial home victory.

However, the Nigerian champions failed to build on that result, producing a disappointing performance in front of their supporters.

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Power Dynamos showed greater composure and tactical discipline and were rewarded in the 50^th  minute when Chiboni struck the decisive goal, silencing the home crowd and handing the Zambian side a vital away victory.

The defeat leaves Rivers United in a difficult position in the group, with their qualification hopes now hanging in the balance as the competition heads into the decisive final rounds of the group stage.

Rivers United held their hosts Power Dynamos of Zambia to a 0-0 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.

It was the Finidi George side’s first point in the group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League.

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Rivers United lost their previous two group games to holders Pyramids FC of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco. Goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya made a number of key saves to deny Power Dynamos in the first half.

The visitors failed to carve out any real goal scoring opportunity in the matchday three encounter.

Rivers United remain in third position with one point from three games.

Rivers United Technical Manager Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with the Pride of Rivers hard-fought victory over Remo Stars in their NPFL Matchday 21 clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt last weekend.

The Pride of Rivers dominated proceedings but had to wait until the 80th minute before Okon Aniekeme’s well-taken finish broke the deadlock.

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 “It was a good game,” Finidi said after the match. “We created more chances to score, but that didn’t happen early, so we are quite happy with the victory that came in the second half.”

The former Super Eagles head coach also praised his team’s patience and discipline, noting that their persistence eventually paid off against a stubborn Remo Stars side.

The win keeps Rivers United four points clear at the top of the NPFL table with 41 points as attention now turns to continental duty.

The 2021 league champions will next travel to Ndola, Zambia, where they face Power Dynamos FC in a CAF Champions League Matchday 3 encounter on Saturday, January 24.

Rivers United, Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City continued their strong push at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League as Matchday 21 fixtures were concluded across the country yesterday.

Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance also claimed vital victories to consolidate fourth and fifth positions respectively, while Barau FC boosted their survival hopes with a hard-earned point on the road in Aba.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United edged Remo Stars 1-0 in a clash between the past and present champions. Former Remo Stars attacker, Aniekeme Okon proved decisive, firing home the winner in the 81st minute against his old club.

The victory lifted the Pride of Rivers to 41 points from 21 matches, maintaining their grip on top spot, while Remo Stars slipped to 15^th  with 25 points.

Abia Warriors recorded one of the standout results of the weekend in Kano, silencing a hostile crowd to defeat Kano Pillars 1-0. The Umuahia-based side halted Pillars’ five-game unbeaten run and stayed second on the table with 37 points, just four behind Rivers United.

With Rivers United set to miss league action next weekend due to CAF Champions League duties, Abia Warriors could further close the gap when they return to their Umuahia fortress with a home game against Nasarawa United this weekend. The defeat leaves Kano Pillars languishing in 19^th  place with 22 points, a major setback after recent improvement.

Ikorodu City continued their fairy-tale campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United, their first-ever topflight victory against the Harmony Boys. The Lagos side remain third with 35 points, while Kwara United dropped to 16^th  with 24 points.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United bounced back from recent struggles to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2-1. The Solid Miners’ win restored them to fourth place with 35 points, while Tornadoes remain eighth on 29 points.

Bendel Insurance enjoyed a thrilling afternoon in Benin City, edging El Kanemi Warriors 3-2 to climb to fifth position with 32 points, three places higher than their standing after the midweek round. Despite a spirited display, El Kanemi Warriors sit 10th with 28 points.

It was another frustrating outing for Enyimba in Aba, as the nine-time champions were held to a goalless draw by Barau FC. Still reeling from a midweek 3-0 defeat to Shooting Stars, the People’s Elephant failed to capitalise even after Barau FC were reduced to ten men following Uche Moses’ second-half dismissal. Enyimba remain stuck in the lower half with 27 points, while Barau FC’s draw strengthens their survival push.

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New Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote secured his first victory in charge as the Peace Boys edged Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Jos. The win lifted Plateau United to 18th with 23 points, level with Wikki Tourists, who occupy 17th place.

In Ozoro, Bayelsa United claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars, despite playing away from their renovated Samson Siasia Stadium. The Prosperity Boys moved up to 13th with 26 points, while Shooting Stars slipped to sixth with 32 points.

Two fixtures will conclude Matchday 21 today, both in Ozoro and Owerri. Warri Wolves will host Katsina United, while Kun Khalifat face Rangers International in a keenly anticipated Oriental derby.

NPFL Matchday 21 Results

Insurance 3-2 El Kanemi Warriors

Plateau United 1-0 Wikki Tourists

Ikorodu City 1-0 Kwara United

Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars

Bayelsa United 2-0 Shooting Stars

Nasarawa United 2-1 Tornadoes

Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 0-0 Barau FC

Matches  Today:

Warri Wolves vs. Katsina United

Kun Khalifat vs. Rangers

Rivers United surged four points clear at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after edging Rangers International 1-0 on Matchday 19 to emerge as halfway champions.

Boluwaji Sholumade struck the decisive goal in the 53rd minute to lift the Pride of Rivers to 37 points at the end of the first stanza.

Abia Warriors remain closest challengers in second place with 33 points following a hard-earned 1-0 away victory over Plateau United in Jos. Taheer Abubakar’s 68^th -minute strike sealed the win for the Umuchineke Boys, while Plateau United’s struggles deepened, leaving them 19th with 19 points.

The defeat sparked protests from Plateau United supporters, who voiced their displeasure during the game, calling for the dismissal of head coach Shola Adegun and a complete overhaul of the club’s management due to poor results.

Away from the title race, Katsina United and El Kanemi Warriors both celebrated their first away victories of the season. Katsina United stunned Kun Khalifat 1-0 in Owerri thanks to a first-half goal from Richard Christopher, a result that propelled the Chanji Boys to 10^th  place with 26 points.

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El Kanemi Warriors also impressed on the road, claiming a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa through Sadiq Mohammed’s 45^th -minute strike. The victory lifted the Borno Army out of the relegation zone into 11^th  place with 25 points and marked their first back-to-back wins of the campaign.

Elsewhere, former leaders Nasarawa United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Kano Pillars in Kano, with goals from Mustapha Umar, Chiedozie Okorie and Jibrin Mustapha. The loss dropped the Solid Miners to fourth place on 32 points, while Pillars climbed out of the bottom three. Ikorodu City also claimed a notable 1-0 win over defending champions Remo Stars in Lagos, as Enyimba thrashed Shooting Stars 3-0 in Aba to round off a dramatic end to the NPFL’s first half.

NPFL Matchday 19 Results

Bayelsa United 0-1 El-Kanemi Warriors

Rivers United 1-0 Rangers

Enyimba 3-0 3SC

Plateau United  0-1 Abia Warriors

Wolves 2-2 Wikki Tourists

Tornadoes 2-0 Barau

Kun Khalifat 0-1 Katsina United

Kano Pillars 3-0 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-0 Kwara United

 Ikorodu City 1-0 Remo Stars

Rivers United tightened their grip at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after battling to a 1-1 draw against Katsina United in a delayed Matchday 18 encounter at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, yesterday.

Still smarting from a heavy 4-1 loss to Barau FC in Kano last Friday, the first away defeat of their campaign, the Finidi George-led side showed character to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season and preserve their position at the top of the table.

Katsina United, who had slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Bendel Insurance in their last home game outing, started brightly as they chased a much-needed victory. Their intent was rewarded in the 23rd minute when Azeez Falolu fired the Chanji Boys into the lead.

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Rivers United, however, responded with resilience and were finally rewarded in the 75^th  minute through Stephen Manyo. The defender, recently back from injury, marked his return in style by scoring against his former club to restore parity.

The result keeps Rivers United top of the standings with 34 points from 18 matches, while Katsina United sit 12^th  on 23 points from the same number of games.

However, the title race remains tight, with second-placed Nasarawa United on 31 points and a superior goal difference. The Solid Miners could leapfrog Rivers United if they secure victory over Barau FC in their outstanding Matchday 18 fixture today in Lafia.

Meanwhile, Rivers United will host Rangers International FC in the last game of the first stanza in Port Harcourt this weekend while Katsina United will hit Owerri as guests of Kun Khalifat FC next Monday.

Rivers United have climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt yesterday.

The rescheduled Matchday 17 encounter saw the Pride of Rivers dethrone former leaders Nasarawa United.

Knowing that maximum points would take them two clear at the top, Finidi George’s side started with purpose and were rewarded in the 19^th  minute when Taofeek Otaniyi struck the decisive goal.

The slim victory was enough to hand Rivers United top spot with 33 points, strengthening their title credentials as the season gathers momentum.

Rivers United also boast a game in hand, with an away clash against Barau FC in Kano scheduled for Friday, a fixture that could further consolidate their position at the summit.

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In Lagos, Ikorodu City missed a golden opportunity to move into second place on the NPFL table after being held to a goalless draw by Katsina United in a rescheduled fixture played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena also yesterday.

The Oga Boys dominated proceedings but were unable to break down a resolute Katsina United side that arrived desperate for points with relegation fears looming.

The result was a sharp contrast to last season’s fixture, which Ikorodu City won emphatically 6-0, highlighting the visitors’ improved resilience.

Ikorodu City remain third on the log with 29 points, while Katsina United’s battling display earned them a valuable point, leaving them 13th with 22 points as they continue their fight for survival.

Rivers United will approach their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash against Wikki Tourists today with clear intent, knowing that only a victory will propel them to the top of the league table.

The Pride of Rivers have been consistent in almost all their league games this season and will be keen to capitalise on familiar surroundings when they welcome the Bauchi-based side today in Port Harcourt.

The Port Harcourt outfit understand the significance of the encounter, with the title race entering a decisive phase. A win would not only boost their points tally but also pile pressure on their closest rivals in the standings. With strong home support expected, Rivers United will look to impose them early and dictate the tempo of the contest.

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Wikki Tourists, however, travel south determined to avoid defeat after settling for a home draw against Ikorodu City in their last outing. That result left them searching for greater consistency, and Abdu Maikaba’s men will be desperate to return to winning ways as they continue their battle for a respectable finish on the NPFL table.

The visitors face added challenges heading into the game, with head coach Abdu Maikaba forced to contend with key absences. Defender Sani Ibrahim is suspended, while Isah Ndala and Nickson Ironsi are sidelined with ankle and knee injuries respectively, limiting Wikki Tourists’ options and depth.

Despite the setbacks, Wikki Tourists are expected to adopt a disciplined approach in a bid to frustrate their hosts. For Rivers United, the objective is straightforward—secure maximum points and climb to the summit. All signs point to an intense and high-stakes encounter as both sides chase crucial outcomes in the NPFL title run-in.

Rivers United boosted their Nigeria Premier Football League title push with a crucial 2–1 victory over Plateau United in a rescheduled Matchday 14 clash in Jos.

The win  on  Thursday — their second away success of the campaign — lifted the Pride of Rivers to second on the log with 30 points from 15 matches.

Plateau United struck first through Nenrot Silas in the 20^th  minute, but Rivers United responded strongly after the break. David Boluwaji Sholumade levelled the score in the 53^rd  minute, before a late Aniekeme Okon cross forced Peace Boys defender Wisdom Ndon into an unfortunate own goal that sealed the comeback win.

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The defeat plunged Plateau United deeper into trouble, dropping them into the relegation zone in 17^th  place with 18 points from 16 games. They face a must-win home fixture against table-toppers Nasarawa United this weekend to revive their season.

For Rivers United, who have suffered just one defeat in 15 outings, the momentum continues to build. Finidi George’s men return to Port Harcourt to host Wikki Tourists, knowing victory — coupled with favourable results elsewhere — could push them to the top of the standings.

Africa’s premier club competitions return today as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup kick off their group-stage battles.

With giants, dark horses and debutants spread across both tournaments, Matchday 1 promises fireworks across the continent. But no fixture looms larger—certainly from a Nigerian perspective—than the heavyweight showdown in Cairo: Pyramids FC vs. Rivers United.

The clash, slated for Saturday night at the 30 June Stadium, headlines a weekend laced with rivalries, continental pedigree and big ambitions.

Nigeria’s last standing representatives, Rivers United, open their group-stage journey against the reigning African champions, Pyramids FC, a side fast becoming one of the continent’s super clubs.

Tomorrow’s tie offers far more than three points—it’s a test of character, ambition and Nigeria’s broader fight to reclaim relevance in the CAF Champions League after years of near-misses and early exits.

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Pyramids FC are defending champions, fresh off their historic maiden CAFCL triumph last season. Backed by financial muscle, depth, and strong tactical identity, they are overwhelming favourites at home.

Rivers United are chasing a new narrative. This is their moment to prove that Nigerian clubs can still compete toe-to-toe with North Africa’s finest.

The fixture is one of Matchday 1’s most commercially attractive games, expected to draw widespread continental attention.

Pyramids will push to dominate possession, counting on experienced playmakers and the intimidating Cairo atmosphere to apply early pressure. Rivers United, on the other hand, must stay compact, disciplined, and clinical on counters.

Anything less than full concentration will be punished by the Egyptians’ fluid attacking movements.

United’s defensive shape—and the decision-making of their forward line—will be key. The Pride of Rivers must convert half chances and avoid being hemmed into their own half for long spells. Kick-off is 8pm Nigeria time (9pm Egypt time).