The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered exciting action this weekend, with Rangers extending their unbeaten run, Rivers United returning to winning ways, and Heartland held to a draw at home.

Reigning champions Rangers continued their impressive form by holding Katsina United to a goalless draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The Flying Antelopes have now gone 10 matches without defeat in the NPFL, a testament to their consistency under the guidance of coach Fidelis Ilechukwu.

Rangers, who sit third in the table with 28 points from 17 matches, demonstrated their resilience once again, even though they failed to break the deadlock in Katsina. Their unbeaten run is a key highlight of their season, and they will be eager to maintain their strong position as they push for more success.

Rivers United Return to Winning Ways

After a series of tough results, Rivers United bounced back in style with a 2-1 victory over Kwara United at home in Port Harcourt. The match saw Akeem Akanni stun the home fans with a well-taken goal in the 18th minute, giving Kwara United a shock lead. However, the home side responded with determination, as Timothy Zechariah equalized before David Benjamin netted the winner to secure the three points for Rivers United.

The victory was crucial for Rivers United as they aim to maintain their place near the top of the league. With the win, they will feel more confident heading into the next phase of the season.

Heartland Held at Home

At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland were forced to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance. Promise Anyanwu gave the home side the lead early in the match, putting them ahead after just six minutes. However, Bendel Insurance showed resilience and earned a valuable point when Michael Enaruna equalized with eight minutes left on the clock.

The draw leaves Heartland with more questions than answers, as they continue to search for consistency in their performances. While they are still a solid team, their inability to hold onto a lead in front of their home crowd will be a concern for coach Abdullahi Biffo.

Other Key Results

Elsewhere in the NPFL, El-Kanemi registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors, while Niger Tornadoes put in a dominant display, hammering Sunshine Stars 4-0. Bayelsa United also picked up a crucial 2-1 win over Akwa United, further adding to the weekend’s excitement.

A Competitive NPFL Season

The NPFL is shaping up to be a highly competitive league this season. Rangers’ unbeaten run and Rivers United’s bounce-back victory highlight the resilience of these top teams. However, the tight competition means that there are no easy matches, as teams like Bendel Insurance continue to surprise with their fighting spirit.

As we approach the next set of fixtures, one thing is clear: this season promises even more drama, excitement, and intense battles at the top and bottom of the table.

Looking Ahead

With the league heating up, it’s clear that every match is crucial. Rangers’ pursuit of an unbeaten season will be tested in upcoming fixtures, while Rivers United will need to maintain their momentum. Heartland, on the other hand, will look to sharpen their focus and regain their winning touch at home.

As the NPFL season continues to unfold, who do you think will come out on top? Share your thoughts and predictions for the next set of fixtures!