NPL: Rivers go Top, Rangers, Wikki, Enyimba Down in Tight Title Race

Rivers United are the new leaders of the Nigeria league after they came from behind to beat Warri Wolves 3-1, while IfeanyiUbah beat Akwa United to move to third on the table. Rivers United now have 56 points from 33 matches, while Enugu Rangers slipped to second place after they lost 2-1 at Shooting Stars.

IfeanyiUbah were very much at home after they extended their home invincibility after they stopped Akwa United 2-0. They have 53 points and leapfrog Wikki, who slip to fourth on the table.

There were also away losses for front runners Wikki Tourists and champions Enyimba. Wikki lost 2-1 at Nasarawa United after a stoppage time winner by Aminu Kadir, while Enyimba fell 1-0 at Niger Tornadoes courtesy of a penalty goal by Solomon Owello.

The Tornadoes vs Enyimba game was full of drama – Enyimba midfielder Dare Ojo was sent off and an Enyimba official dashed into the pitch to punch the referee.

Kevin Itoya stunned the fans in Port Harcourt when he gave Warri Wolves the lead after 28 minutes. However, home team Rivers United fought back to draw level six minutes later through Godwin Obinze. Bernard Ovoke then put Rivers United in front after 40 minutes, before Guy Kuemian scored a third goal for ‘Pride of Rivers’ two minutes from time.

In Ibadan, goals by Ajani Ibrahim and Ifegwu Ojukwu gave hosts Shooting Stars a 2-0 lead, before Chisom Egbuchulam pulled a goal back for Rangers in the 81st minute.

Both teams finished this game with 10 men after Rangers defender Chibuzor Madu was sent off for a professional foul and later Moses James of 3SC also saw red.

Sunshine Stars turned back Plateau United 3-1, while bottom team Ikorodu United upstaged Kano Pillars 4-1.