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NPFL: Heartland subdue Rivers United as Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors secure wins

Rivers United extended their winless streak to five games after they were beaten 2-0 by Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri yesterday in a NPFL Matchday 22 tie.

Goals from Christian Molokwu and Joel Okoro in the 63rd and 74th minute for the Naze Millionaires ensured they secured back to back home win after the draw in Aba against Enyimba and they are now ninth on the log with 29 points from 22 games.

The Pride of Rivers are still third with 35 points but they could be dethrone today by the time today’s games are concluded. They have drawn three and loss two of their last five games.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United dug deep to beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 through Anas Yusuf’s double. The Solid Miners’ attacker has now scored 13 goals in the ongoing season. Nasarawa United are still in the relegation zone as they are 18th on the log with 22 points.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors moved to the fourth spot with 33 points following a 2-0 victory over Akwa United Antoine Ijoma and Samuel Ogunjimi with the goals in the 26th and 90th minutes.

Kano Pillars were held to a goalless draw by stubborn Bayelsa United in Kano. Sai Masu Gida dropped to the 10^th spot with 29 points but are with a game at hand.

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The result and the alleged demeanour of Kano Pillars head coach, Usman Abdallah to the club’s fans and supporters has led to the club management to place a three week suspension on him.

The Prosperity Boys are 12^th with 28 points.

In Jos, Plateau United were forced to a 1-1 draw by Shooting Stars. Tijani Kabiru scored the game’s opener in the 76^th minute for the visitors but the Peace Boys equalised two minutes later through Albert Hilary.

The Oluyole Warriors are still second on the log with 37 points from 21 games while Plateau United are 15^th with 24 points.

3SC conceded for the first in 68 calendar days since a 2-0 loss at Remo Stars in November 2024. They have won six games and drew one of their last seven games.

Earlier on Saturday, Remo Stars pipped Sunshine Stars 2-1 in Ikenne to open an eight points gap at the top of the table but the Owena Whales have slipped to the 16th spot with 24 points.

Today, four games would be decided. In Bauchi, Lobi Stars will face Enyimba in a must win game for both teams; Rangers International FC host Ikorodu City; Bendel Insurance will lock horns with Katsina United in Benin City and Kwara United will be at home to El Kanemi Warriors.

February 3, 2025
NPFL  restarts with  Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties

The second stanza of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season resumes this weekend with seven games while  a  rescheduled game from  the first stanza on Monday  complete the fixtures, writes TUNDE LIADI…

Remo Stars sit  on top of  the table with 36 points from 19 games but they will face a stern test to hold on to that position when they face wounded Akwa United in Uyo tomorrow. The Promise Keepers lost the first leg in Ikenne 2-1 but the Sky Blue Stars didn’t have it easy before getting the maximum points.

Akwa United who recently welcome the return of former head coach, Kennedy Boboye on a second stint until the end of the season at least are in the relegation zone and will need to start the second stanza with a bang despite facing the league leaders.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United are under compulsion to beat Katsina United today in the reverse fixture of the first stanza to start the second round on a positive note. They were pinned 1-0 by the Chanji Boys in Katsina last month. The Solid Miners who are last on the table were docked three points from their points tally because of alleged crowd violence in their home draw with Rivers United last month.

Nasarawa United brought in some newly signed players and they are expected to improve the club’s fortunes in the second stanza. The players must prove that with a win at home to Katsina United who are 13^th  with 23 points.

Abia Warriors will seek to have a double win over 2022 Federation Cup Champions, Bayelsa United when both teams clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium today in a repeat of the last game of the first stanza which Abia Warriors won 1-0 in Yenagoa.

In Enugu, Rangers International  will host Niger Tornadoes seeking a second straight win over the Ikon Allah Boys today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The Flying Antelopes pipped Tornadoes by a lone goal in Minna and swiftly atoned for the 1-0 home loss to Shooting Stars just a week before the triumph in Minna. This is their first game after the loss to the Oluyole Warriors.

Ikenne will be on fire today as Sunshine Stars hosts Ikorodu City in another South West derby billed for the Remo Stars Stadium. The Oga Boys who are making their topflight debut this season won the first leg 2-1 through a late penalty kick.

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Sunshine Stars with Abubakar Bala are 16th on the log with 21 points and need a home win to move out of the relegation zone for good but they will face still opposition from Ikorodu City who ended the first stanza in the sixth spot with 28 points.

Tomorrow, Heartland FC will trade tackles with Lobi Stars in a repeat of the first stanza’s last game which ended in a goalless draw at the Lafia City Stadium. The Naze Millionaires with some new acquisitions must start the second stanza with a win to endear them to their fans in Owerri and beyond and also show that the team’s struggle of the first stanza was a thing of the past.

Heartland are 14^th  on the log with 22 points and they won’t have it lightly against the Pride of Benue who are 18th with 20 points.

In another game billed for today, Plateau United will lock horns with Rivers United to complete their devastating form in Port Harcourt which saw them walk away with a 1-1 draw off the jaw of Finidi George led side.

Rivers United needed a home win to keep pace with Remo Stars at the top of the table in the concluding fixture of the first stanza but they managed to secure a draw in Port Harcourt through a stoppage time goal. They are currently second on the table with 34 points and must avoid a defeat in Jos if they are to stay in close touch of Remo Stars who are above them with two points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League has shifted three games billed for the weekend to a later date to ensure Enyimba round off their outstanding games and league fixtures are followed sequentially. The fixtures postponed are Kwara United versus Shooting Stars; Kano Pillars versus El Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance versus Enyimba but Kwara United will host Enyimba in Ilorin on Monday in the People’s Elephant’s last game of the first stanza.

Enyimba suffered their first defeat since October 20^th , 2024 with the 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars. They have now won two games, drew seven and lost just one in their last 10 games in the league. Will Kwara United make it two consecutive losses?

January 25, 2025
Rivers United pip Abia Warriors to reclaim  NPFL top spot

Remo Stars’ three game unbeaten streak  was ended  yesterday following a shock 2-0 loss to Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina while Rivers United edged  Abia Warriors 1-0 to return to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of  Matchday 13 fixtures .

In Katsina, two second half goals from Azeez Falolu in the 50^th  minute and Boslam Dawi in the 68^th  minute   ensured the Sky Blue Stars were beaten for the first time after four games by the Chanji Boys; who moved to the 12th spot by virtue of the victory with 16 points.

Remo Stars slipped to the second spot with 23 points and have only won a game from their last four games.

Rivers United made home advantage count at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt after they did just enough to just beat Abia Warriors 1-0 in front of their fans.

After a goalless first half,  relief came for  Rivers United  in the 58^th  minute through  Ndifreke Effiong  who converted  from the spot kick  as the Pride of Rivers return to the top of the log with 25 points.

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Plateau United began their steady rise towards the top half of the table following their 2-0 home win over Nasarawa United in the North Central derby played in Jos.

Despite playing without the comfort of their fans, Plateau United  took the lead in the 51^st  minute after Michael Ibeh’s pass-cum-shot was turned into his own goal by Shina Kumater before the Peace Boys doubled the advantage from the penalty spot seven minutes from full time through Wale Doyeni .

The win lifted Plateau United to the 14th spot with 15 points while Nasarawa United have slid to the bottom of the log with 12 points from 13 games.

In other games played Lobi Stars played a 2-2 draw with Kano Pillars in Lafia after the home team allowed the Sai Masu Gida to stage a late fight back from two goals down while Niger Tornadoes were held to a goalless draw by Ikorodu City in Minna.

The Oriental derby between Heartland and Rangers International FC was fierce at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri but both sides settled for a goalless  draw.

NPFL Matchday 13 Results

Insurance 3-1 Kwara Utd

Lobi 2-2 Kano Pillars

Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City

Heartland 0-0 Rangers

El-Kanemi 1-0 Akwa Utd

Rivers United1-0 Abia Warriors

Katsina United 2-0 Remo Stars

Plateau United  2-0 Nasarawa Utd

November 25, 2024
NPFL: Rivers United, Remo Stars share spoils in Ikenne
- Ikorodu City edge 3SC in South West derby as Oriental derby ends in stalemate
Rivers United were resolute in their determination to avoid a third straight defeat as they held Remo Stars to a goalless draw in Ikenne while Abia Warriors and Enyimba also played out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Oriental derby in some of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 12 games played yesterday.

The Pride of Rivers had lost two successive games to Ikorodu City and Bayelsa United before their visit to Ikenne to be guests of the Sky Blue Stars and knowing that a defeat could see them leave the second spot, Finidi George’s men went for the broke and ended up with a point.

Though Remo Stars remain atop the table with 23 points, Rivers United also held on to the second spot with 22 points.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City FC got the first South West derby bragging rights after securing a 2-1 win over Shooting Stars.

In a thrilling game decided at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Shooting Stars scored first in the 14^th minute through former Ikorodu City striker, Anthony Okachi but the Oga Boys overcame through two second half goals scored by Shola Adelani and Rivio Ayenwenre in the 59^th and 88^th minutes.

The win lifted Ikorodu City to the eighth spot with 17 points while the Oluyole Warriors have slipped to the drop zone as a result of the loss.

On their return to the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Heartland FC.

Emmanuel Amuneke’s led side shocked the hosts when Surajudeen Lawal curled in the opener in the 51^st minute following an assist from Chukwuma Agor but it took Sai Masu Gida just six minutes later to equalise through Rabiu Ali via a free kick close to the penalty area of the Naze Millionaires.

It didn’t take long before Heartland regained the lead through Lawal who bagged his brace on the one-hour mark off Christian Nkwo’s long throw in. But Pillars responded through Ahmed Musa’s header in the 75th minute as the game ended two goals apiece.

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Pillars are now sixth on the log with 18 points while Heartland are 10th with 16 points.

It was honours evened out in the latest Abian derby between Abia Warriors and Enyimba in Umuahia.

Clinton Jephta shocked the home team when he scored the game’s opener in the ninth minute but Adejoh Ojonugwa’s strike ensured it was shared spoils while Kwara United defeated Plateau United 2-0 in Ilorin through Emmanuel Ogbole 67^th and 78^th minutes.

Elsewhere, Rangers International beat Bendel Insurance 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

The reigning champions were three goals up through Godwin Obaje, Frank Uwumiro and Effimi Nsi in the 21^st , 39^th and 55^th minutes but the Benin Arsenals scored twice in the second half through Anthony Nnamdi and Uchenna Collins in the 66^th and 85^th minutes.

In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars pinned Lobi Stars 1-0 through Promise Awosanmi’s 49^th minute effort.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United in a game Prosperity Boys technical crew were mandated to win by the club’s sponsors.

MATCH DAY 12 NPFL RESULTS:

Kwara United 2-0 Plateau United

Rangers 3-2 Bendel Insurance

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars

Abia Warriors 1-1 Enyimba FC

Remo Stars 0-0 Rivers United

Bayelsa United 1-1 Katsina United

Ikorodu City FC 2-1 3SC

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

Kano Pillars 2-2 Heartland FC

Akwa United 1-0 Nasarawa United
November 18, 2024
NPFL: Rivers United, El Kane mistake unbeaten run in Port Harcourt

The battle between two unbeaten teams in the Nigerian top flight, Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors, dominates Matchday Nine fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League, writes TUNDE LIADI…

Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors are among the teams making waves in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) season with their impressive performances.

Both remain unbeaten after eight games but will stake their impressive records this weekend when they slug it out in a Matchday Nine fixture in Port Harcourt’s Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium.

Rivers United are atop the league table with 20 points while El Kanemi Warriors with six drawn games out of eight games are in fifth spot with 12 points. They are the two remaining teams without a defeat thus far but that accolade may reduce to one by the time the game is decided tomorrow.

There are two games fixed for today with Lobi Stars confronting Bayelsa United in a game between two basement clubs while Bendel Insurance will strive to move up the ladder with a home game against Abia Warriors.

Shooting Stars will fancy their chances before their vociferous fans again when they host Akwa United tomorrow at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors pipped Katsina United 1-0 last weekend to pick their second win of the season but they must be at their best against struggling Akwa United who are desirous of a positive result.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United will host Kano Pillars in another league’s spectacle. The Solid Miners have not been superb at home with only one win out of four games but have picked some important away points including the win in Lagos against Ikorodu City. They have nine points from 24 and are presently 13th on the table.

Kano Pillars on their part were fortunate to grab a draw against Kwara United in Katsina. Sai Masu Gida will pray Ahmed Musa, Abdullahi Shehu and other players step up their game to ensure a positive outcome.

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In Jos, Plateau United will go in the hunt for their fourth win of the season when they trade tackles with Sunshine Stars. The Peace Boys suffered a 3-1 defeat to Abia Warriors in Umuahia but will hope to deliver the maximum points against the Owena Whales.

Mbwas Mangut side have been erratic despite their immense talents but should do just enough to grab the maximum points.

Sunshine Stars laboured to a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United last weekend. It came at the back of their 3-0 loss to Kwara United in Ilorin.

These are trying periods for Heartland FC who are up against Remo Stars this weekend in Owerri. The Naze Millionaires had a legitimate goal disallowed in Yenagoa against Bayelsa United but they do not have sufficient time to brood over it with the Sky Blue Stars ready to pounce tomorrow.

In other games remaining, Enyimba will face Ikorodu City in Aba while Kwara United will face Rangers International FC.

Katsina United will welcome Niger Tornadoes to the Muhammadu Dikko

October 26, 2024
Finidi eager to recruit Ideye for Rivers United

Coach Finidi George is pressing the management of Rivers United to tie down former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye to a deal to allow him play for the Pride of Rivers in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The former West Brom attacker has been training with the Port-Harcourt based side but with no concrete deal but Finidi believes Ideye’s invaluable experience would be an asset to the club.

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“Brown is a player I’ve known for years, and his experience speaks for itself. We thought it would be beneficial for our players, especially the younger ones, to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level,” Finidi said after Rivers United’s 1-0 win against Niger Tornadoes on Monday in Minna. “It wasn’t just about his skill set but the professionalism and work ethic he brings to the table. That’s something every team needs, especially as we aim for greater success this season.

” The impact has been immediate. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, his tactical awareness, and his ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable, and he’s been open to giving advice and sharing his experiences in Europe and with the national team,” he added.

October 23, 2024
Unbeaten Rivers United reclaim NPFL top spot
- Beat Tornadoes in Minna
- Ikorodu City thrash Lobi in Lagos
Rivers United have overtaken Remo Stars at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after they defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna in a Matchday Eight tie.

The Pride of Rivers scored the lone goal in the 47th  minute through Seiyefa Jackson and the win lifted them to the top with 20 points from eight games but the Ikon Allah Boys slipped to the 11th with 10 points.

Jackson became the first Rivers United player to score at Niger Tornadoes in the NPFL since Ossy Martins scored a 69th  minute equalizer in January 2019. The game ended 1-1 then.

Ikorodu City threw away a two goal lead against Lobi Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos but rebounded to claim a 4-2 win.

Just like they did against Heartland FC in Owerri, the Oga Boys scored an early goal through Salau Yusuf in the third minute while Emmanuel Solomon got the second in the 19^th  minute.

Lobi Stars scored twice in the stoppage time of the first half to make it 2-2 with Ifeanyi Assurance with both goals just before halftime.

The Oga Boys were a different side in the second half and two goals from Solomon Alade and Rivio Ayenwenre in the 57th    and 59th   minutes handed them a 4-2 win that has lifted them up to the 16th spot with eight points. Lobi Stars are at the bottom of the log with six points.

On Sunday, Kano Pillars could not consolidate on their away win against Rangers International FC in Enugu midweek after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Kwara United.

Despite the presence of  returnee Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi Sai Masu Gida could not scoop the three points and even had to fight back to secure a draw at their adopted home ground, Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

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Ismaila Gata drew the Harmony Boys in front four minutes after the start of the second half but the ovation that greeted the visitors goal had hardly died down when Mohammed Zulkifilu equalised for Kano Pillars in the 57th  minute.

In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors secured first home win of the season after a 1-0 victory over Enyimba. A fatigued People’s Elephant succumbed to the goal of Usman Abbas in the first half  stoppage. It was the Army Boys’ second victory of the season though they still remained unbeaten after seven games.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United pipped Heartland FC 1-0 in a game the Naze Millionaires had a legitimate goal ruled out for offside in the first half. Rabiu Abdullahi scored the Prosperity Boys’ lone goal in the 54th  minute.

In another game, Abia Warriors came back from a goal down to beat Plateau United 3-1. Adamu Abubakar drew the Peace Boys ahead in the 40th  minute but Sunday Megwo got the equaliser for the Umuchineke Boys five minutes later.

There was still enough time for Adejoh Ojonugwa to put Abia Warriors ahead in the stoppage time of the first half while Paul Samson scored the third goal in the 61st minute.

At Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars pipped Nasarawa United 1-0 through Oluremi Opeoluwa’s 17th  minute goal while Remo Stars returned to winning ways following a 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance. Dela Akorli with the decisive goal in the 43rd minute.
October 22, 2024
NPFL: Rivers United hit top a Remo Stars lose unbeaten start

Rivers United have risen to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after they pinned Akwa United 2-1 in Port Harcourt in a Matchday Five tie.

Remo Stars also suffered their first defeat of the season while Heartland FC and Ahmed Musa drew up admirable ratings in the last weekend games.

The Pride of Rivers scored first through Stephen Manyo in the 32nd minute but Friday Apollos equalised for the Promise Keepers in the 46th minute. Former player of Akwa United, Ndifreke Effiong got the winning goal that sank his former club in the 85th minute.

The win kept Rivers United at the top of the table with 13 points from five games.

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Kwara United beat Remo Stars 1-0 in Ilorin through Shola Abdulraheem’s 56th minute goal. It was the Harmony Boys’ first win of the season.

NPFL reigning champions, Rangers, Plateau United, and Lobi Stars all defeated their opponents by a lone goal. They beat Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars in that order while El Kanemi Warriors recorded another viral away point in Benin- a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance.

Kano Pillars welcome back Ahmed Musa in impressive style beating Sunshine Stars 2-0 with Musa sealing a brace.

In Owerri, Heartland FC beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 for their first win of the season.

October 7, 2024
Villarreal sign Udom from Rivers United

La Liga giants Villarreal have added a new defensive asset to their squad after confirming the signing of 21-year-old Nigerian center-back Ekerette Udom for their reserve team, Soccernet. ng reports.

The young defender, known for his towering height and strength in aerial duels, arrives from Rivers United, a club in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Villarreal announced on their official website, stating:

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“Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Rivers United for the transfer of young defender Ekerette Udom, who joins Villarreal B’s ranks.”

His solid performances in the NPFL, particularly for Rivers United, have caught the attention of European scouts, leading to this exciting move to Spain.

Udom will initially join Villarreal’s B team, which competes in the Primera Federación – Group 2.

This transfer marks a significant milestone in Udom’s career, as he embarks on his European journey with a three-year contract.

September 14, 2024
Rivers United mull Finidi, Amapakabo as replacement for Ogenyi

Following the not impressive performance of Rivers United towards the end of the season, the management of the club considering a change in the technical crew with Imama Amapakabo, Kennedy Boboye and Finidi George among the names being touted as replacement.

Evans Ogenyi replaced Stanley Eguma who was unceremoniously axed midway into the just concluded season as the head coach of the team but the replacement brought a little change to the fortunes of the club.

The Pride of Rivers started the season on a good note and got to the quarter-final of the CAF Confederation Cup before they were eliminated by then reigning Champions, USM Alger of Algeria.

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They struggled hard to finish in the top half of the table and failed to pick a continental ticket for the first time in the last 3 years.

According to an update from the team camp, the management is reportedly thinking of getting either former Rangers International coach Imama Amapakabo or Sunshine Stars coach Kennedy Boboye to take charge of the team in the coming season. Finidi George is among the names mentioned as well.

June 28, 2024