Rivers United’s title ambitions hit another roadblock following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ikorodu City during their Matchday 30 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Finidi George’s side has now recorded their fifth defeat of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Footballrover reports.

Ikorodu City Stun League Leaders in Lagos

This recent slump has placed their dreams of clinching the 2025/26 NPFL title in serious jeopardy as their lead begins to evaporate.

The first half was a bit cagey, with both sides searching for an opening.

While the hosts came close to scoring on three separate occasions, the defence held firm, sending both teams into the tunnel goalless at the interval.

The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart thanks to an instant impact from Ikorodu maestro Folarin Temitope.

Super-Sub Folarin Temitope Sinks Rivers United

Having replaced Dennis Mse at the start of the second half, Temitope needed only six minutes to find the net, tucking home a rebound after the goalkeeper Osagie parried an initial attempt from Salami Farouk.

This result marks a worrying trend for the Port Harcourt-based team.

After securing consecutive wins against El-Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance, they have now suffered back-to-back defeats against Shooting Stars and the Oga Boys.

With eight games remaining and one match in hand, Finidi George must quickly regroup his squad and find a way to stop the bleeding.

Although they remain at the top of the table by a single point, a gruelling schedule awaits with two more consecutive away fixtures against Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United.

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Last Updated on March 16, 2026 6:52 pm by footballrover