NPFL Matchday 26: Rivers United stunned in Ilorin as Enyimba returns to winning ways

Rivers United received a wake-up call in Ilorin as they tasted defeat in their NPFL Matchday 26 clash against Kwara United for the first time in eight years. The home side came from a goal down to win the match 2-1 at the Kwara State Sports Complex.

Rivers United went in front early through Nelson Esor and went into half-time with the lead. Kwara United boss Abdullahi Biffo introduced former Enyimba forward Samad Kadiri at the interval, and the striker made his introduction count less than 15 minutes into the second half. Jide Fatokun got the winner for the Afonja Warriors in the second half to hand Rivers United only their third league defeat of the season.

Dakkada kept Plateau United from closing the gap to leaders Rivers United following a 1-0 win for the Chosen Ones at the Nest of Champions in Uyo in their NPFL Matchday 26 encounter. Emmanuel Charles scored the game’s only goal in the second half to send the home side four points clear of the relegation zone.

A first-half blitz from Enyimba saw them bounce back from their last defeat and claim a comprehensive 3-0 win at home to Gombe United. Chukwuemeka Obioma opened the scoring for the People’s Elephant before Victor Mbaoma scored his 11th NPFL goal of the season and Cyril Olisema rounded off the scoring for the home side.

Kano Pillars dropped to 19th place in the standings after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Niger Tornadoes in Kaduna. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali scored a sumptuous free-kick to put Sai Masu Gida in front before youngster Jonas Emmanuel equalised for Niger Tornadoes. A 90th minute penalty from Musa Wakili helped secure the points for the home side.

Remo Stars rose to third place following a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourist in their NPFL Matchday 26 encounter in Ikenne. Lekan Adebayo scored the game’s only goal with a smart finish from inside the box in the first half of the encounter.

Heartland edged Abia Warriors 2-1 in their Oriental Derby encounter in Owerri to leave their visitors firmly in the relegation zone. Murphy Ndukwu and Nonso Nzediegwu put the Naze Millionaires two goals up before Godwin Obama scored a consolation for the Umuahia Landlords.

Lobi Stars edged Nasarawa United 2-1 in their NPFL Matchday 26 clash to move out of the relegation zone in the NPFL. Ifeanyi Ogba and Godfrey Utim scored to give the home side a two-goal lead before Tochukwu Michael scored from the penalty spot for Nasarawa United.

Katsina United handed Akwa United their first league defeat under Deji Ayeni with a 1-0 win at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Former Rivers United star Destiny Ashadi got the only goal of the game in the second half.

MFM were held to a goalless draw at home by Rangers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, with the home side remaining at the bottom of the standings and the visitors dropping to fourth place.

In Akure, Shooting Stars held Sunshine Stars to a goalless draw in their NPFL Matchday 26 clash as they edged closer to the 40-point mark in their first season back in the league.