EuroMatchNPFL: Rivers United Join Kano Pillars As Only Unbeaten Sides

Rivers United have joined Kano Pillars as the only unbeaten sides in the EuroMatchNPFL after seven rounds of matches, while Barau FC suffered their first defeat of the season and Shooting Stars slipped into the relegation zone.

The Pride of Port Harcourt strengthened their challenge at the top with a 2-0 victory over Ikorodu City at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, taking their tally to 15 points from four wins and three draws.

Samson Olasupo opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Chinemerem Ugwueze doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

The result kept Rivers United just one point behind leaders Enugu Rangers, who moved to 16 points after defeating Abia Warriors 3-1 in the Oriental derby.

Godwin Obaje scored his 100th goal for Rangers in the 37th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo made it 2-0 four minutes after the restart. Chukwuemeka Obiom pulled one back for Abia Warriors, but Akorede Daniel restored Rangers’ two-goal lead.

Rivers United’s victory also means Kano Pillars are no longer the only unbeaten side in the league.

Pillars, who have played one game fewer, remain unbeaten after six matches with two wins and four draws and sit seventh on 10 points.

Barau FC, meanwhile, saw their unbeaten start come crashing down in Benin City as Bendel Insurance handed them a 4-1 defeat.

Kayode Oke scored twice for Insurance, while Suraj Lawal and Jonathan Mairiga completed the rout after Barau briefly pulled a goal back.

The result left both sides on 12 points, with Barau fourth and Insurance fifth on goal difference.

Doma United climbed to third after ending their three-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves.

Joshua Abah scored nine minutes from time to take Doma to 13 points, while Warri Wolves slipped into the relegation zone after their fourth defeat in seven matches.

Shooting Stars also suffered another setback, dropping points at home for the first time this season in a goalless draw with Nasarawa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

The Oluyole Warriors have taken just one point from their last three games and have now dropped to 17th with seven points, although they have a game in hand.

Enyimba continued their recovery with a 2-0 win over Plateau United, with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Richard Ezinna scoring for the hosts.

Kwara United came from behind to beat Ranchers Bees 2-1, while Inter Lagos and Katsina United played out a 1-1 draw.

Niger Tornadoes moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Kun Khalifat, courtesy of Ismaila Sarki’s 82nd-minute strike.