Nasarawa United F.C. delivered a dominant display to defeat Rivers United F.C. 4–1 in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday 31 clash at Lafia City Stadium, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The hosts made a flying start, with Ngei Oluka-Efor opening the scoring in the third minute before Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the lead just moments later. Chimezie Victor added a third in the 15th minute to cap a blistering opening spell.

Rivers United responded through Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who converted a free-kick in the 24th minute, but Jofrank Istifanus sealed the win with a composed finish in the second half.

The victory, Nasarawa United’s biggest of the season, lifts them to third place on the NPFL table with 50 points, closing the gap on both Rivers United and leaders Enugu Rangers.

Following the win, Governor Abdullahi Sule rewarded the team with ?1 million per goal, totaling ?4 million, while additional financial support had earlier been provided to boost morale.

Head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his side’s clinical performance, stating the team could have scored more, as players expressed confidence ahead of the season’s final stretch.

Rivers United F.C. moved to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League table following a convincing 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors F.C. on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Rivers United asserted their dominance early in the encounter, with Wisdom Samuel opening the scoring in the 10th minute to hand the hosts a deserved lead. The early breakthrough set the tone for a commanding performance from the Pride of Rivers, who controlled proceedings for large spells of the contest.

After sustained pressure in the second half, Chijioke Mbaoma doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, calmly converting to effectively put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.

Samuel then completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, grabbing his second goal of the night in the 90+3rd minute to seal the rout and underline Rivers United’s superiority on the evening.

The win moves Rivers United to 49 points from 26 matches, sending them to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings. Notably, the Port Harcourt side still has two outstanding fixtures to play, a situation that could further strengthen their title challenge as the season approaches its decisive phase.

Head coach Finidi George has insisted that Rivers United remain firmly on course for the Nigeria Premier Football League title despite their latest setback against Bayelsa United, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The Pride of Rivers suffered a narrow defeat on Sunday, but the former Super Eagles winger was quick to downplay the result, stressing that the club’s ultimate objective this season is to secure the league crown.

“If losing to Bayelsa United will give us the league title, I’ll accept it,” Finidi said rhetorically.

“Let’s lose to Bayelsa United and win the league.

“I’m not that worried about losing to Bayelsa United twice last season and twice this season.

“We know the purpose of our campaign this season is to win the league. It’s quite unfortunate that we lost today.”

Despite the disappointment, Rivers United remains in strong contention for a place near the summit of the NPFL standings. Finidi emphasised that sustained consistency across the entire campaign, rather than the outcome of isolated fixtures, will ultimately determine who lifts the trophy at the end of the season.

Despite arriving with a depleted squad ravaged by injuries, defending champions FC Pyramids underlined their pedigree with a dominant 4–1 victory over Rivers United in a CAF Champions League group-stage encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian side had initially raised hopes when Manyo fired them into the lead in the 33rd minute, sparking optimism among the home supporters.

That advantage, however, proved short-lived as the Egyptian champions returned for the second half with renewed intensity and composure. Fathi drew Pyramids level in the 52nd minute, setting the tone for a sustained spell of pressure that Rivers United struggled to contain.

Marwan completed the turnaround in the 66th minute with a well-taken goal that put the visitors firmly in control. As Rivers United pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they were left exposed at the back, a weakness Pyramids ruthlessly exploited.

Late strikes from Odeh and Nasser sealed an emphatic victory for the Egyptian side, highlighting their superior depth and experience on the continental stage.

The defeat confirms Rivers United’s elimination from the CAF Champions League at the group stage, bringing an early end to their continental campaign and underlining the challenges faced against Africa’s elite clubs.

Rivers United Technical Manager Finidi George has conceded that his side’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League are now almost impossible following their 1–0 defeat to Power Dynamos on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Matchday Four Group A encounter was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where the Zambian visitors deepened the Pride of Rivers’ struggles in the competition.

A goal from Kondwani Chiboni five minutes into the second half proved decisive, condemning Rivers United to their third defeat in four group matches, with just one draw to show for their efforts so far. The result leaves the Nigerian champions without a win in Group A and firmly rooted at the bottom of the standings.

Speaking after the game, Finidi admitted that progression to the next round is now highly unlikely, but stressed that his team will still fight for pride in their remaining fixtures against Pyramids FC of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco.

“We definitely want to get our first victory in the competition. We know that we are going to play against the two top teams in the group — Pyramids of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco — in the last two games,” Finidi said.

“But all is possible in football, even though qualification for the knockout stage is very difficult — almost impossible. We still want to show character and at least get a win in the last two games.”

The former Super Eagles winger expressed disappointment with his side’s approach, particularly their slow start, which he felt played a major role in the defeat.

“I feel we started the game slowly — a game we were supposed to win. We were passing the ball too much at the back, and that gave them more time to organise properly,” he explained.

Despite dominating large spells after conceding, Rivers United failed to make their pressure count.

“After they scored, we came all out to try to get an equaliser. We created a lot of chances, but we couldn’t convert any of them,” Finidi said.

“In the second half, I thought we had a couple of chances to score two or three goals, but it didn’t happen. That’s football for you.”

Finidi praised Power Dynamos for their defensive resilience and acknowledged the fine margins that decided the game.

“I have to congratulate Power Dynamos for how they defended and for the lucky goal they scored. We conceded from just a pull-out — it’s unfortunate, but it’s part of football,” he added.

The former Enyimba coach was careful not to place blame on his players, instead pointing to inexperience at the continental level as a key factor behind their struggles.

“In a game like this, you have to be very aggressive in the first 20 minutes, and I felt we were a bit passive,” he said.

“For most of the players we have now, this is a learning process. If you take out two or three players from the squad, none of the rest has even played in the CAF competitions before.”

Finidi remains hopeful that the experience gained this season will prove valuable in the future.

“They will learn from this. If we find ourselves in this situation next season, I believe the players will do better. But for now, it’s quite unfortunate,” he concluded.

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted that his side faces a stern challenge against Power Dynamos ahead of their CAF Champions League Matchday Four clash this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian champions earned a valuable away point in Ndola on Matchday Three after holding the Zambian side to a goalless draw, a result that kept Rivers United firmly in contention in the group. Speaking ahead of the return fixture, Finidi highlighted the quality of opposition at this stage of the competition and warned that Power Dynamos will still be dangerous despite playing away from home.

“First, we will rest and then see how we can prepare properly for the game,” Finidi said.

“Any team in the group stage of the CAF Champions League deserves to be there. They are good enough, so we expect an interesting game. We will see what happens on Saturday.”

Rivers United will host Power Dynamos at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, as they look to make home advantage count and boost their chances of qualifying from the group.

Rivers United FC will depart Nigeria on Tuesday evening for Ndola, Zambia, ahead of their CAF Champions League Group A Matchday 3 showdown against Power Dynamos, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com

The Pride of Rivers are scheduled to travel from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, with the full contingent of players and officials expected to arrive in Ndola on Wednesday, reports gathered by local media.

The Nigerian champions will take on Zambian giants Power Dynamos at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Kickoff for the Group A encounter is set for 3:00 pm local time, which is 2:00 pm Nigerian time.

Rivers United will be targeting a positive result away from home as they continue their quest for progression in Africa’s premier club competition. The outcome of the fixture is expected to have a significant impact on the group standings as the race for qualification intensifies.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Rivers United closed out the NPFL season on a high, finishing the year top of the league table after a narrow home victory over Rangers International, while Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a commanding win that lifted them out of the relegation zone in their match day 19 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Boluwaji Sholumade’s second-half strike proved decisive as Rivers United edged Rangers 1–0. The forward found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute, a result that ensured Rivers United maintained their grip on first place heading into the new year.

Kano Pillars delivered one of the standout performances of the day, sweeping aside Nasarawa United 3–0. Mustapha Umar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie (68’) and Jibrin Mustapha (72’) sealed a comprehensive victory that saw Pillars climb out of the relegation places.

In Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists played out an entertaining 2–2 draw. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead in the 37th minute before Ezekiel Oroh equalised early in the second half. Wolves briefly turned the game around through Seth Mayi on 56 minutes, but Bala struck again in the 76th minute to earn Wikki a share of the points.

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2–0 victory over Barau FC, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu opening the scoring in the 35th minute. The points were sealed deep into stoppage time when Rickson Mendos added a second to cap a solid home display.

Katsina United earned a 1–0 away win at Kun Khalifat thanks to Richard Christopher’s 39th-minute strike.

El-Kanemi Warriors snatched a narrow 1–0 victory at Bayelsa United, with Sadiq Mohammed scoring just before halftime.

Ikorodu City beat reigning champions, Remo Stars 1–0 as Odinaka Alfred unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the 40th minute, firing past goalkeeper Alladoum.

Uche Dozie

The hosts, Katsina United, took the lead in the 22nd minute through Azeez Falolu, who found the net to give his side an early advantage.

Rivers United responded strongly and drew level when Stephen Manyo marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal, restoring parity for the Pride of Rivers in the 76th minute.

The draw ensures that Rivers United maintain their slim lead at the top of the NPFL standings with 34 points, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Nasarawa United, who have a game in hand.

Uche Dozie

Barau FC recorded a famous comeback victory over league leaders Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Kano State-based club stunned the multiple-time champions with an emphatic 4–1 win to end Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Friday.

The Pride of Rivers started brightly and took an early lead when Duke Osimaga fired the visitors ahead in the 5th minute of the encounter.

However, the Maliya Boys responded 20 minutes later as Usman Maidubji confidently converted from the penalty spot, scoring his second goal of the season to draw the hosts level.

The home side completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Jimmy Ambrose struck in the 45+2 minute, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Nura Ibrahim. It was Ambrose’s first goal of the campaign and sent the home supporters into celebration at the break.

Barau continued to dominate after the restart and extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Kabir Abdullahi capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the Rivers United backline to score his first goal of the season and make it 3–1.

The forward was not done yet, as he added his second of the night in the 77th minute—his second goal of the season—after a precise assist from Muhd Umar, sealing an emphatic victory for the hosts.

The result lifts Barau FC out of the relegation zone and up to 16th position on the NPFL table with 20 points from 17 matches. Rivers United, despite the heavy defeat, remain top of the standings with 33 points.

Uche Dozie

Taofeek Otaniyi’s 19th-minute goal proved decisive as Rivers United edged Wikki Tourists 1–0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Wikki Tourists made a lively start and almost stunned the hosts in the fifth minute, but Abubakar Ahmed failed to capitalise on a set piece delivered by Abdullahi Usman Pepe. The visitors continued to threaten early on, with Abdullahi Usman later firing off target after a promising run in the 13th minute.

Rivers United gradually grew into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Otaniyi finished confidently to put the Pride of Rivers ahead. The forward remained influential and went close again on the half-hour, forcing Utum Godswill into a strong save that conceded a corner.

?The hosts maintained attacking pressure, with Timothy Zachariah narrowly missing the target in the 35th minute, his first-time volley crashing into the side netting.

?Early in the second half, Rivers United thought they had doubled their advantage when Samson Obi produced an acrobatic finish in the 51st minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

?Wikki Tourists attempted to respond through set pieces, including a long-range free kick by Haruna in the 55th minute, but the Rivers defence stood firm to preserve their lead.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Rivers United remained disciplined at the back and saw out the contest to claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory, securing all three points at home.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced late goals, narrow victories and intense contests across multiple centres on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors snatched a point at the death in their 1–1 draw with Rivers United. The visitors took the lead in the 86th minute through Maclyn Biokpo, but Suraju Lawal struck a dramatic 90+4th-minute equaliser to ensure honours were even.

Kwara United secured one of the day’s convincing wins with a 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin. Bright Babatunde opened the scoring in the 15th minute before a 37th-minute own goal by Abba Khalid doubled the hosts’ advantage.

In Jos, Plateau United edged Warri Wolves 1–0 courtesy of a 19th-minute own goal by Gift David. The match, however, ended on a tense note as both teams had a player sent off in the 86th minute — Vincent Temitope of Plateau and Gift David of Wolves.

Remo Stars claimed a crucial 2–1 win over Enyimba in Abeokuta. Former Enyimba striker Victor Mbaoma proved decisive with a brace in the 3rd and 45th minutes, while Edidiong Ezekiel momentarily levelled for the visitors in the 32nd minute.

In Kano, legendary midfielder Rabiu Ali inspired Kano Pillars to a 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat. Ali scored in the 19th minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 38th, before Ebuka Nwokorie pulled one back for the visitors.

Two matches ended goalless: Wikki Tourists were held 0–0 by Ikorodu City in Bauchi, while El-Kanemi Warriors and Barau FC also failed to find the net in Maiduguri.

The results see several teams solidify their positions as the league enters its crucial phase, with battles intensifying at both ends of the table.

Uche Dozie

Moroccan Botola Pro champions RS Berkane produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat Rivers United 2–1 in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 2 clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rivers United appeared on course for a historic victory after leading for most of the encounter, only to concede twice in stoppage time as defensive lapses proved costly.

The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute, scoring their first-ever goal in the CAF Champions League group stage—though it came through an own goal. Mamadou Lamine Camara inadvertently turned the ball into his net after Ubong Friday’s effort forced pressure inside the box.

Rivers United defended their advantage deep into the match, but RS Berkane struck late in dramatic fashion.

Youness El Kaabi levelled the score in the 90+6 minute, punishing a moment of hesitation in the Rivers United backline. Just a minute later, Mounir Chouiar completed the comeback with a composed finish, sealing a 2–1 victory for the North African giants.

The heartbreaking defeat leaves Rivers United with two losses after two matches, while Berkane stay top of the standings with two wins in two.

Uche Dozie 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its latest continental club rankings, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Once again, only two Nigerian teams appear in the top 75, a development that further highlights the worrying decline of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on the African stage. Egyptian giants Al Ahly retained their position at No. 1, followed closely by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in second place. Rivers United remain Nigeria’s highest-ranked club in 24th position, while former African champions Enyimba sit 35th.

The rankings, released ahead of the new CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup seasons, are compiled using a five-year performance cycle, with recent results carrying greater weight. This explains why Rivers United, who have posted stronger showings in continental competitions in recent years, sit above Enyimba despite the latter’s history and pedigree.

However, the overall data paints a troubling picture for Nigerian club football. Rivers United remains the only NPFL side to reach the CAF Champions League group stage in the last eight years, and in the newly published standings, no other Nigerian club makes the top 75.

The top end of the African rankings continues to be dominated by teams with consistent success in CAF competitions or those who participated in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the United States. Occupying the third to tenth spots are Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia, RS Berkane of Morocco, Simba SC of Tanzania, Egypt’s Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC, Morocco’s Wydad AC, USM Alger of Algeria, and CR Belouizdad, also of Algeria.

CAF awards ranking points based on progression in its two major club competitions. Champions League winners receive six points, runners-up take five, and semi-finalists earn four. In the Confederation Cup, the champions receive five points, runners-up get four, and semi-finalists collect three.

The release of the rankings comes shortly after Rivers United suffered a 3–0 defeat to Pyramids FC in their Champions League group-stage opener, further fueling concerns over the current competitiveness of Nigerian clubs on the continental front.

League giants, Rivers United secured a slim victory away from home for the first time this season against Kun Khalifat, while Plateau United piped Bendel Insurance to wrap up match day 12 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers ensured maximum points were gotten at the DAN Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, as they played newly promoted sides, Kun Khalifat FC.

After a cagey encounter that left the score goalless for more than the one-hour mark, the George Finidi-led side found themselves in front after a goal by Maclyn Biokpo in the 78th minute as they went on to win by a goal to nil.

At the new Jos Stadium, Plateau United got a 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance after a Saka Gafar goal on 56 minutes was enough for the Peace Boys to get maximum points.

The result takes Rivers United closer to the top three with a point adrift of third place, Ikorodu City, and three goals less than table toppers, Nasarawa United, with a game to spare.

Kun Khalifat FC move to the bottom four with 12 points after 12 matches, while Plateau United find themselves in 15th position with 15 points after 12 matches.

Bendel Insurance are 19th on the log with 9 points garnered after playing 12 matches.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following their win against reigning champions Remo Stars, while Rivers United secured a draw against Bendel Insurance in the NPFL rescheduled match day 9 fixtures, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nasarawa United came from behind to beat Remo Stars 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium, moving a point clear of Abia Warriors at the top of the table, while Remo Stars remain at the bottom of the table in 17th position.

Michael Ibe had put the champions ahead in the 5th minute, but John Joshua leveled the score for the Solid Miners in the 32nd minute, as a dominant first half for the hosts ended 1-1.

JoFrank Isitifanus scored for the home side, turning things around in the 79th minute; the goal proved to be the winner.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance and Rivers United played out a goalless draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium after 90 minutes.

The result pushed Rivers United to sixth place on the table, five points off the top, while Bendel Insurance remains 19th.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Premier Football League match day 11 weekend ended with another club taking top spot following Abia Warriors' win over Niger Tornadoes, as multiple champions, Enyimba, returned to winning ways, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahia Warriors put up an impressive performance to take all points at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, against a Niger Tornadoes side that had not lost in four matches.

The visitors put one leg forward at 33 minutes despite the countless pressures mounted by the host via a header by Sunday Megwo.

Unfortunately, an own goal from Sunday Akinmoladun doubled Abia Warriors' lead at the stroke of half-time, leaving the Solid Miners caught napping.

Abdulrasheed Dabai got one back off Clinton Jephta's assist on 54 minutes, but it was handy to change the result of the game.

In Aba, Enyimba FC returned to winning ways following a three-match losing streak.

The People's Elephant stood tall against Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of Bassey John and Eddidiong Ezekiel.

Ikorodu City continued their fine run, winning Kun Khalifat 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, a win that took them to third on the log.

Rivers United earned a slim win over Nasarawa United after a 45-minute goal by Timothy Zachariah gave the Pride of Rivers the maximum points.

Uche Dozie

CAF has confirmed the draw procedures for the CAF Champions League Group Stage to hold on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sixteen clubs will be divided into four groups (A–D), with seeding based on performances over the past five seasons.

In Pot 1: Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, ES Tunis, RS Berkane while Pot 2 has: Simba, Pyramids, Al Hilal, Young Africans.

Nigeria's Rivers United are in Pot 3 with Petro Luanda, AS FAR, MC Alger, while Pot 4: JS Kabylie, Stade Malien, St Eloi Lupopo, Power Dynamos.

Each pot will fill Groups A–D in order (A1–D4).

The draws will held  in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday, 3 November.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Rivers United have reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League following their 3-2 aggregate win over Black Bulls on Saturday in Uyo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers defeated the Mozambican club side 3-1 to overturn a 0-1 loss in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as they make their first CAFCL group stage appearance.

Goals from Wasiu Falolu, Maclyn Biokpo, and Timothy Zachariah after Moctar Diallo's early second-half strike for the visitors helped Rivers United progress.

A dominating start from the hosts saw the deadlock broken in the 15th minutes as Wasiu Falolu put Rivers United in front after he rebounded Maclyn Biokpo's blocked shot.

The former champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League continued to increase the heat for another goal and the visitors finally succumbed after a foul on Timothy Zachariah in the box. Maclyn Biokpo stepped up and scored from the spot in the 42nd minutes.

Black Bulls pulled one back within the opening five minutes of the second half, with Moctar Diallo finding the back of the net.

With ten minutes left to the end of the game, Rivers United got their cushion restored following Timothy Zachariah's close range shot to make it 3-1.

With the win, Rivers United become the first Nigerian club to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League since 2018.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Rivers United were edged by Black Bulls of Mozambique in their first leg second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

?The Bulls pipped the Pride of Rivers by a goal to nil at the Lalgy Sport Arena, Tchueme on Saturday after an intense encounter.

?A goal early in the second half by substitute and Senegalese centre forward, Moctar Diallo was all the Mozambican club needed to win the tie.

The result leaves Black Bulls with the advantage as the two sides head for the second league in Uyo, Nigeria where Rivers United will seek to overturn the final outcome of the encounter.

?Uche Dozie