Rivers United climbed back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Matchday 17, securing a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Kwara United.
Despite trailing 1-0 after Akeem Akanni’s goal in the 18th minute, Finidi George’s men responded strongly in the second half.
Timothy Zachariah equalized in the 53rd minute, and David Benjamin netted the winner just six minutes later, in the 59th minute.
Akwa United’s woes deepened as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Bayelsa United. Chijioke Alaekwe gave Akwa United the lead in the 23rd minute, but Bayelsa United hit back with goals from Sadiq Auwal (41’) and Yahaya Ibrahim (80’) to secure the comeback victory.
Akwa United’s defeat marks their eighth consecutive loss on the road, leaving them at the bottom of the league standings and in danger of relegation.
The win took Rivers United to 32 points, two ahead of second-placed Remo Stars, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City in Lagos. With the three points, Rivers United reclaimed the top spot in the league, continuing their strong push for the title.
Meanwhile, defending champions Rangers International extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches with a goalless draw against Katsina United.
The result keeps Rangers in 3rd position, maintaining their pursuit of another league title.
Weekend MD17 games.✅#NPFLLive#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/fMPzCQWleh
— NPFLLive (@NPFL_Live) December 15, 2024
Other NPFL Match day 17 Results:
Heartland played out a 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance. Promise Anyanwu gave Heartland the lead in the 6th minute, while Michael Enaruna equalized for Bendel Insurance in the 82nd minute.
El-Kanemi secured a commanding 3-0 win over Abia Warriors, with Ibrahim Mustapha (5′), Nasiru Salihu (24′), and Aminu Mohammed (73′) all on the scoresheet.
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Niger Tornadoes recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Sunshine Stars. Goals from Ernest Onyeka (3′), Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (7′), Abba Khalid (13′), and Godstime Joseph (27′) sealed the comprehensive win, while Ibrahim Sodiq scored a late goal for Sunshine Stars in the 72nd minute.
NPFL league table after match day 17 courtesy of 54footballx
As the NPFL season intensifies, Rivers United’s comeback victory puts them in a strong position to defend their lead, while the competition below them continues to heat up.
