Rivers United reclaimed top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Kun Khalifat in their Matchday 32 encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.
Heading into the clash, Rivers United were under pressure to halt a worrying four-game losing streak, having suffered consecutive defeats to Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Niger Tornadoes, and Nasarawa United. Their opponents, Kun Khalifat, arrived in better form, losing just once in their previous five matches.
The hosts made an early statement, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Aniekeme Okon. However, Kun Khalifat responded strongly, turning the game on its head with quickfire goals from Omolabi Abdulrafiu and Sunday Adehi in the 24th and 38th minutes respectively to go 2-1 ahead.
The first half continued to deliver drama as Rivers United found a swift response. Iyowuna Douglas restored parity just two minutes after Adehi’s strike, before Handsome Surveyor completed the turnaround, giving the hosts a 3-2 lead heading into the break.
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After the restart, Rivers United showed better defensive discipline, managing the game effectively while limiting Kun Khalifat’s attacking threat. Their resilience paid off in the 82nd minute when Douglas grabbed his second of the match, sealing an emphatic 4-2 win and ending the club’s winless run in style.
Elsewhere, results went in favour of Rivers United’s title push. Shooting Stars recorded a 3-1 victory over Enugu Rangers, who had entered the weekend as league leaders. The result saw Rangers slip to second place on 54 points, while Rivers United moved to the summit with 55 points.
Ikorodu City also strengthened their position in the title race with a thrilling 4-3 win over Warri Wolves, leaving them third on 52 points.
Nasarawa United occupy fourth place with 50 points, level with Shooting Stars in fifth following their impressive home victory. Abia Warriors, meanwhile, dropped to sixth with 49 points after suffering a late 2-1 defeat to Enyimba.
With the title race getting more intense, Rivers United’s return to winning ways could prove decisive as the season heads into its final stretch.
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