They left it late, but they left their mark. On a tense evening in Port Harcourt, Rivers United refused to let their Nigeria Premier Football League title dreams fade quietly.

With just minutes remaining, a single moment of brilliance shattered the resistance of the league leaders—and breathed new life into the season’s title race.

Rivers United revive title hopes with grit and heart

The Garden City outfit reignited their chase for NPFL glory after edging out table-toppers Remo Stars 1-0 in a gripping Match Day 32 contest at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium.

The showdown, filled with tension and high stakes, was ultimately decided by Boluwaji David’s late header that sent fans in the Garden City into wild celebrations.

The decisive goal came in the 84th minute, courtesy of a sublime cross from Taiwo Abdulrafiu.

Positioned perfectly in the 18-yard box, David rose high and guided the ball into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The victory saw Rivers United continue to chase the NPFL title under Finidi George, slashing Remo Stars’ lead to just five points and making the run-in to the campaign finale even more compelling.

Despite the setback, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede remained defiant.

Coach Daniel Ogunmodede

When asked by Footballrover if the unruffled expressions on his face despite the defeat suggested the title was already in the bag, he brushed off the claim, insisting that he is unaware of “any unruffled facial expression“, but that his team will work hard to win the NPFL league title this year.

Enyimba rally, Nasarawa United fight for survival

Elsewhere, former champions Enyimba fought back to claim a thrilling 2-1 victory over Abia Warriors in the fiercely contested oriental derby.

Ijoma Desouza gave the Warriors an early edge, but Enyimba struck back through Kalu Nweke and Joseph Atule to snatch the win.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory over Akwa United.

Leonard Ugochukwu netted just two minutes in, and Abubakar Garba sealed the deal late on to earn all three points.

Niger Tornadoes also recorded an impressive 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors, with goals from Mohammed Hussaini and Ahmed Family.

Points shared and clean sheets elsewhere

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars settled for a 1-1 draw.

Ahmadu Liman struck early for Sunshine, but Johnmark Atule levelled things after halftime.

In Jos, Plateau United and Kwara United played out a goalless stalemate.

Full NPFL Match Day 32 Results:

Enyimba 2-1 Abia Warriors
Katsina United 1-1 Bayelsa United
Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Nasarawa United 2-0 Akwa United
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Plateau United 0-0 Kwara United
Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars

As the NPFL enters its final stretch, Rivers United sit second with 55 points from 32 matches, five behind leaders Remo Stars.

Abia Warriors (50 points), Shooting Stars (48 points), and Rangers International (46 points) complete the chasing pack.

One thing’s certain—Rivers United revived their title chase just in time, and the NPFL glory race is still wide open.

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

Last Updated on April 7, 2025 5:15 am by Sir Kris