NPFL: Resurgent Rivers regain top spot

Former champions Rivers United are back to the top of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League table thanks to a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors in Port Harcourt on Sunday, while Remo Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Katsina United,  PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ndifreke Effiong scored a 58th-minute penalty to help Finidi George’s men see off their stubborn visitors and grab their first win in six matches.

Before Sunday’s win, the 2022 champions had struggled for form with their last win coming against 3SC  on October 17.

Having suffered two losses this season, they however rediscovered their form with a goalless draw against Remo Stars in Ikenne last week before capitalising on Daniel Ogunmodede’s side’s slip in Katsina.

For Katsina United, it was also a return to winning ways after losing 2-1 at home against Ikorodu City two weeks ago.

Midfielder Azeez Falolu scored his fourth goal of the season for the Chanji Boys opener against Remo in the second half and Boslam Dawi added the second to seal a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Anthony Okachi also scored his second goal in consecutive games as his lone goal powered 3SC to a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United in Ibadan.

In Jos, a 51st-minute own goal by Nasarawa United’s Shina Kumater plus another late penalty from  Olawale Doyeni condemned Nasarawa United to their seventh defeat of the season and also sent them to the bottom of the table.

After 13 matches, the relegation battle is still a neck-and-neck race with Bendel Insurance, Akwa United (12 points each ) and Lobi Stars (13 points) sitting above Nasarawa United.

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