Rivers United’s hopes of winning the 2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title suffered another major setback after Ahmed Musa’s remarkable brillance late on to punish Finidi George’s side.

Musa provided the opening goal of the encounter and later delivered a stoppage-time winner as Sai Masu Gida edged their visitors 2–1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Footballrover reports.

Ahmed Musa shines as Pillars stun Rivers United

The former Super Eagles captain produced a man-of-the-match display, taking his tally to seven goals this season during the Matchday 35 clash.

The first half ended with nothing to separate both sides. Just 11 minutes after the restart, Samson Obi thought he had put the visitors ahead, but his effort was ruled out for offside, and he was subsequently booked.

Both teams continued to push for a breakthrough, and with eight minutes left on the clock, the Pride of Rivers conceded a free kick, and they failed to deal with it properly.

The hosts capitalised, with Abdullahi Musa breaking the deadlock from Ahmed Musa’s assist.

NPFL title race takes twist after late drama

Rivers United responded almost immediately and were rewarded in the 89th minute when Handsome Surveyor powered home a header from a corner kick.

However, just as it seemed the match would end in a draw, the hosts struck again in stoppage time.

Ahmed Musa turned from provider to scorer, heading home Fahad Usman’s cross to seal all three points for Pillars.

This result means that the Garden City side have now suffered seven consecutive away defeats, while Pillars have successfully put their 3-0 defeat to Ikorodu City behind them by returning back to winning ways.

Rivers United’s reign at the top is over; the latest results see them hand the NPFL lead over to Enugu Rangers and now trail the Coal City side by one point after the Flying Antelopes secured a 2–1 win over Enyimba.

With three games remaining, Pillars—currently 17th with 42 points—will continue their fight for survival when they visit fellow relegation battlers Kun Khalifat on May 8.

Meanwhile, Finidi and his boys will aim to bounce back when they host Abia Warriors on the same day.

NPFL Matchday 35 full Results

Wikki Tourist 1–2 Bendel Insurance
Plateau United 1–1 Kun Khalifat
Abia Warriors 2–1 Ikorodu City
El Kanemi Warriors 1–2 Shooting Stars
Enugu Rangers 2–1 Enyimba
Kano Pillars 2–1 Rivers United
Katsina United 3–2 Bayelsa United
Kwara United 2–1 Barau
Nasarawa United 3–0 Warri Wolves FC
Remo Stars 3–0 Niger Tornadoes

Like this post?
We’d be delighted to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the box below!

Last Updated on April 19, 2026 9:07 pm by footballrover