Rivers United NPFL Title Push gains strength after a 3-1 win over Bendel Insurance as Rangers thrash Remo Stars

Rivers United strengthened their NPFL title push on Sunday after defeating Bendel Insurance 3-1 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

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The victory keeps Rivers United firmly in contention for a second Nigeria Premier Football League title this season.

After a tightly contested first half ended goalless, Rivers United broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute.

Former league top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma headed home a corner delivered by Iyowuna Douglas.

Douglas provided another decisive assist in the 81st minute, setting up Wisdom Samuel to double the hosts’ advantage.

Bendel Insurance mounted a late response and pulled one goal back in the 89th minute.

However, Rivers United quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Samson Obi sealed the match with a late strike to complete the 3-1 victory.

The result maintains Rivers United’s momentum in the NPFL title race.

With two matches in hand, the Port Harcourt side now holds a two-point lead over Rangers International.

Rangers International also delivered an impressive performance on Sunday, thrashing defending champions Remo Stars 4-1 in Enugu.

Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring for Rangers in the fourth minute before Chidozie Iwundu doubled the advantage four minutes later.

Remo Stars responded through Franck Mawuena before halftime. Rangers returned with renewed intensity after the break.

Wisdom Ebirim added the third goal in the 62nd minute, while Igboke completed the emphatic victory in stoppage time.

The defeat sent Remo Stars to the bottom of the league table.

The defending champions have now lost 17 matches this season and remain on 30 points after 29 games.

Elsewhere, nine-time champions Enyimba slipped into the relegation zone after a 2-1 defeat to Warri Wolves.

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In Kano, a decisive goal from Ahmed Musa secured a crucial 1-0 derby victory for Kano Pillars against Barau FC, lifting the former champions two points above the relegation zone.