The South-South derby between Bayelsa United and Rivers United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) did not live up to expectations, delivering just tension and few scoring chances.

The hosts secured a narrow win at home, thanks largely to an own goal from their visitors, which proved to be the only difference in the match, Footballrover reports.

Derby Dominance Continues for Bayelsa United

The result helped Bayelsa climb slightly away from the relegation danger zone, while Rivers missed the chance to maintain their spot at the top of the table.

The match also extended Bayelsa’s strong derby record against their South-South rivals.

Coach Meremu Okara admitted his team were not at their best but was happy to secure the points. Speaking after the game, he said,

“Talking about relief, I’m very relieved because if I consider the way we played, we really didn’t come to the party today. I must confess that, especially in the first half.

In the second half, we picked up a bit to give them a fight. I always know that this is a local derby and it’s going to be very tough considering the fact that we always win them.”

The win marked Bayelsa United’s fourth straight league victory over Finidi George’s side across two seasons. Last season, Bayelsa completed a league double, winning both home and away fixtures.

This season, they also defeated Rivers United 2–1 in the first-round meeting in Port Harcourt.

Their consistent derby dominance has boosted confidence inside the Bayelsa camp as the season approaches its final stages.

Okara praised the fighting spirit of Rivers United, saying,

“They wanted to come and give everything, and I can see that they really gave all they have. But we were able to contain them, and when that goal came, we tried to see how, because they were more hungry to get the goal, we tried to see how we can counter them.

In one or two cases, the chance to counter them came, but we really didn’t get it right. But it’s okay; three points is all that matters.”

The match statistics showed how closely fought the encounter was, as Rivers United enjoyed spells of pressure but failed to convert their chances, while Bayelsa stayed compact defensively.

Bayelsa United Survival Push Gains Momentum

The result was especially important for Bayelsa United in their fight to stay clear of the relegation battle.

The team had gone six games without a win before this derby success, recording five draws and one defeat.

Okara remains focused on steady progress rather than big promises. He explained his approach to the final part of the season:

“For now, let’s take it one at a time. We just have to be picking our points. If we can get us to somewhere reasonable, why not?

But I would like the team to end from above ten; I mean, before ten. From nine going down, that’s what we’re pursuing.

But if we get to somewhere reasonable, why not? If we win three or four games, why not? We have won this one; it’s important for us to go out and see if we can get something and come back.”

The victory lifted Bayelsa United to 14th position with 34 points. Rivers United, despite the loss, remained second on 46 points but still had three games in hand, keeping their title ambitions alive.

The Garden City side arrived in Yenagoa with good momentum after ending a six-game winless run with a 1–0 victory over Barau FC.

However, they struggled to repeat that performance in a hostile derby atmosphere.

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 12:30 pm by footballrover