Rivers United vs Enyimba Headlines NPFL Matchweek 27 as Title Race and Survival Battles Intensify

Nigeria Premier Football League action returns to Port Harcourt on Sunday as Rivers United welcome Enyimba to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after thirty-four days away.

The Pride of Rivers are unbeaten in their last eight home matches since October and have made their ground a fortress against the People’s Elephant, who have failed to score or pick up a point in their last six visits.

The last time Enyimba avoided defeat in Port Harcourt was back in January 2018, when they managed a 1-1 draw.

Rivers United have since won three consecutive home meetings by identical 2-0 scorelines, and with Emmanuel Deutsch Detchoua Gustave still searching for his first NPFL win as Enyimba’s new head coach, history is stacked against the visitors.

Rivers United are unbeaten in five league matches since a heavy defeat to Barau FC in Kano, and sit third on 42 points from 22 games, with four games in hand over leaders Ikorodu City and Rangers.

Enyimba, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th with 31 points, their only win in the last four matches coming against Bayelsa United.

A draw in Lafia and a shock home loss to Ikorodu City last weekend have left them under pressure, and they will need a huge performance to break their Port Harcourt hoodoo.

Beyond the headline clash, Matchweek 27 offers plenty of intrigue across the NPFL.

Nasarawa United will be desperate to end a five-game winless run when they host Bendel Insurance in Lafia, having slipped from second to fourth in the table. Insurance, sitting sixth, are chasing their tenth win of the season and could further dent Nasarawa’s title hopes.

In Owerri, Kun Khalifat continue their fight for survival against Niger Tornadoes. The NPFL newcomers have endured a torrid debut campaign, rooted to the bottom of the table, but remain mathematically capable of escaping relegation if they can string together wins.

Enugu Rangers, now second after a 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists, face a stern test away to Katsina United. The Flying Antelopes are firmly in the title race but must be wary of a Katsina side that recently dented Nasarawa’s charge.

League leaders Ikorodu City will look to tighten their grip at the summit when they host Bayelsa United in Lagos. The Oga Boys have won their last four home games and stunned Enyimba away last weekend, while Bayelsa, hovering just above the relegation zone, must fight to avoid an 11th defeat of the season.

Kano Pillars, battling to escape the drop, face El-Kanemi Warriors in Kano. The Sai Masu Gida are unbeaten in three and have won their last two home fixtures, but Warriors, chasing a 12th win, will be a formidable opponent.

Abia Warriors, winless in six, take on Kwara United in Umuahia, with both sides desperate for points, Abia to stay in the title mix, Kwara to avoid relegation.

Finally, Plateau United host Shooting Stars in Jos. Gbenga Ogunbote’s men saw their six-game unbeaten run ended last weekend and will be eager to bounce back against his former club, who have lost their last four away matches.