Rivers United Edge Ikorodu City as Title Race Heats Up; Enyimba Held in Aba
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Stephen Manyo’s dramatic stoppage-time goal handed Rivers United a narrow 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City in a fiercely contested encounter at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Sunday. The win not only brightened their title aspirations but also narrowed Remo Stars’ lead at the top of the table to five points, adding fresh excitement to the title race.
For Ikorodu City, the loss means they remain rooted in fifth position, and despite their determined effort, they couldn’t escape the late heartbreak. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s shown flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency.
Abia Warriors Rise; Enyimba’s Struggles Continue
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors secured an important 1-0 away win against fierce rivals Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Adejoh Ojonugwa’s decisive strike in the 81st minute lifted Abia Warriors to third place, proving their mettle in what many consider the most hotly contested Oriental Derby of recent times.
On the flip side, Enyimba, the nine-time league champions, continue to disappoint their fans. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Bayelsa United at their own backyard in Aba.
The match saw Ekene Awazie putting the hosts ahead in the eighth minute, only for Ogba Ifeanyi to equalize a minute later with a stunning strike.
The frustration of the Enyimba fans is palpable, as their team continues to squander precious points. Could it be that the once-great team is struggling to find its footing, or is this just a phase of rebuilding?
Akwa United’s Survival Fight & Katsina United’s Dominance
Meanwhile, Akwa United boosted their survival hopes with a convincing 2-0 win over Kwara United in Ilorin. Goals from Osoba Kabir and Uche Sabastine ensured the Promise Keepers are still in the fight to stay in the top flight. It was a display of courage and tactical discipline — a lifeline that fans would hope to see them build upon.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United thrashed El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0, thanks to strikes from Moses Effiong, Bello Lukman, and Abdul Taofeek. It was a masterclass performance by the hosts, who proved too strong for their opponents throughout the 90 minutes.
Opinion: The Battle Lines Are Drawn
The thrilling weekend of football in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) highlights just how unpredictable this season has been.
Rivers United’s late victory is a testament to their never-say-die attitude, while Remo Stars must be feeling the pressure as the points gap tightens. Meanwhile, Enyimba’s struggle to find consistency has cast a shadow over their title hopes.
Also, the determination of teams like Akwa United to remain in the league adds an interesting subplot to the season’s narrative.
The NPFL is living up to its reputation as a hotbed of talent and drama, with every game proving vital in the battle for supremacy. But the question remains: Who will stand tall when the dust settles?
