Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 19 saw a dramatic encounter in Port Harcourt as Rivers United salvaged a 1-1 draw against Plateau United in stoppage time. The result carried significant implications for both teams’ positions in the NPFL league standings.
Plateau United, known as the Peace Boys, climbed to 17th place with 20 points, inching closer to safety in the relegation battle. Rivers United, meanwhile, remain in 2nd place with 34 points, two behind league leaders Remo Stars in a tight race for the title.
The game started on a contentious note; with Plateau United thinking they had taken the lead in the 18th minute. Vincent Temitope scored after a quick throw-in, but referee Olawale Fawole ruled the goal out, citing a foul throw in the build-up.
Rivers United dominated possession in the first half with 58%, but Plateau United’s defense held firm, conceding few clear opportunities. Plateau’s counterattacks forced two saves from the Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya in a balanced opening period.
Temitope Vincent opened scoring for the peace boys in the 54th minute to stun the home supporters, Rivers United’s head coach Finidi George was sent off in the 80th minute for dissent after expressing frustration with the officiating.
READ MORE:NPFL 2025: Round 19 shakes up the league
Plateau United appeared to have sealed the win as the game entered added time, but Handsome Surveyor dramatically equalized for Rivers United in the 96th minute with a close-range strike. The equalizer sparked protests from Plateau United’s bench, leading to a brief stoppage.
In the 12th minute of added time, referee Fawole sent off Plateau United head coach Mbwas Mangut for dissent, capping off a chaotic finale to the match.
Spoils shared in Port Harcourt.#NPFLLive#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/MD3vBBZr21
— NPFLLive (@NPFL_Live) December 30, 2024
Updated League Standings
– Rivers United: 2nd place, 34 points (2 points behind table-toppers Remo Stars).
– Plateau United: 17th place, 20 points (still in the relegation zone).
