Bayelsa United once again claimed bragging rights in a high-profile showdown against Rivers United, as both sides clashed in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 28 South-South derby.

A narrow home victory was all the Restoration Boys needed to secure their fourth consecutive win over Rivers United in four league meetings across two seasons, Footballrover reports.

Bayelsa United Extend Derby Dominance as Finidi’s Promise Backfires

Last season, coach Meremu Okara’s side completed a league double over their South-South rivals, winning both home and away.

This term, they edged Finidi George’s men 2–1 in the first-round fixture in Port Harcourt.

The Garden City side arrived in Yenagoa with renewed momentum, having ended a six-game winless streak with a 1–0 victory over Barau FC in Port Harcourt.

On the other hand, the Restoration Boys were desperate to halt their own six-game run without a win — a stretch that produced five draws and one defeat. They managed to do just that, thanks to an own goal.

Ahead of the encounter, Finidi described the fixture as “always a difficult match“, adding that “this time around, they’ll try to avoid losing.” However, his side ultimately fell short of that aim.

The Pride of Rivers handed their hosts the decisive moment just 13 minutes into the contest, as a defensive mix-up resulted in an own goal — the only strike of the game.

In the last eight meetings between the two sides, Bayelsa have won five times, Rivers twice, while one encounter ended in a draw.

With the result, Bayelsa United move up to 14th on the table with 34 points, while Rivers United drop to second place on 46 points, albeit with three games in hand.

Rangers Rise, Other NPFL Giants Impress Across Matchday 28

Bendel Insurance delivered the most dominant performance of the day, thrashing Ikorodu City 4-0.

Alex Oweilayefa starred with a brilliant hat-trick, scoring in the 15th, 27th, and 59th minutes, while Wisdom Udom also got on the scoresheet in the 24th minute to complete the rout.

In another standout result, Enugu Rangers moved to the top of the league table with a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United.

Goals from Godwin Obaje in the 18th minute and Chidiebere Nwobodo in the 26th minute secured all three points.

The win took Rangers to 47 points, pushing Rivers United out of first place.

Enyimba and Kun Khalifat played out a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested match.

James Ekebuike gave Kun Khalifat the lead in the 38th minute, but the People’s Elephant fought back late through Ekene Awezie, who equalised in the 87th minute to salvage a point.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars showed great efficiency in front of goal, defeating Katsina United 2-0.

Hadi Haruna was the hero, scoring twice in quick succession in the 60th and 62nd minutes to seal the win.

Shooting Stars also secured victory, beating Kano Pillars 2-1.

Sodiq Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 30th minute, and Qamar Adegoke doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, while Jibrin Mustapha pulled one back for Pillars in the 79th minute.

Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves shared the spoils in a goalless draw, with both sides settling for a point after a tight contest.

Earlier on Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors secured a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Maiduguri.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, giving the hosts an early advantage.

Bashir Musa sealed the win with a late strike, finding the net four minutes from full time.

The result saw Kabiru Dogo’s side climb to ninth place on the league table with 38 points from 26 matches.

In another NPFL fixture, Kwara United boosted their survival hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists.

Akeem Akanni scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute, helping Kwara United move up to 16th position following the home victory.

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Last Updated on March 1, 2026 8:15 pm by footballrover