Rivers United moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings on Monday night following a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Wikki Tourists, while title rivals Ikorodu City dropped points at home in Lagos.
A moment of quality from Taofeek Otaniyi proved decisive at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium as the Pride of Rivers edged past a stubborn Wikki Tourists side to climb to the summit with 33 points, two clear of Nasarawa United.
Despite the crucial win, Rivers United head coach Finidi George admitted to mixed emotions over his team’s overall display.
“It’s quite mixed feelings, to be honest. I can’t really say where the game was going at some point. It was off and on, there was no steady pace,” Finidi said after the match.
“We are happy with the three points, but in terms of the game itself, I can’t really pick moments where we controlled or dominated. At some point we struggled, and that’s something we must address.”
Rivers United recorded their 11th clean sheet in 16 league matches, underlining their solidity at the back.
The victory was Rivers United’s ninth of the season and extended their unbeaten run to nine NPFL matches, with only one defeat recorded so far.
Finidi’s men will now shift focus to a tricky away assignment against Barau FC in Kano on Friday, December 19, in a rescheduled Matchday 5 fixture, as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Ikorodu City Stumble, Others Shine on the Road
Ikorodu City’s push for the title suffered a setback as they were held to a 0–0 draw by Katsina United in Lagos. The result leaves them third on the table with 29 points.
Elsewhere on Matchday 17, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Abia Warriors impressed with vital away victories.
In Ilorin, Abia Warriors claimed a narrow 1–0 win against Kun Khalifat, with Suraju Lawal scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute to secure maximum points for the Umuahia-based side.
Shooting Stars also enjoyed success on the road, edging Barau FC 1–0 thanks to an early strike from Sodiq Ibrahim in the 9th minute.
Kano Pillars were held to a goalless draw by Wolves, while Plateau United and Nasarawa United also shared the spoils in a 0–0 stalemate.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes delivered one of the most convincing performances of the round, cruising to a 3–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute before Rickson Mendos sealed the win with two late goals in the 79th and 83rd minutes.
At the Enyimba International Stadium, the People’s Elephant recorded a 3–1 home win over Kwara United. Samuel Agu opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Toheeb Gidado briefly levelled for the visitors.
Chidera Michael then struck twice in the second half to secure all three points for Enyimba.
Results at a Glance
Saturday, 13 December 2025
Bendel Insurance 1–1 Rangers
Sunday, 14 December 2025
Kun Khalifat 0–1 Abia Warriors (Suraju Lawal 81’)
Barau FC 0–1 Shooting Stars (Sodiq Ibrahim 9’)
Wolves 0–0 Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes 3–0 El-Kanemi Warriors (Azeez Akintunde 5’ pen, Rickson Mendos 79’, 83’)
Enyimba 3–1 Kwara United (Samuel Agu 23’, Chidera Michael 59’, 62’ — Toheeb Gidado 31’)
Plateau United 0–0 Nasarawa United
Monday, 15 December 2025
Rivers United 1–0 Wikki Tourists (Taofeek Otaniyi 19’)
Ikorodu City 0–0 Katsina United
 standings on Monday night following a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Wikki Tourists, while title rivals Ikorodu City dropped points at home in Lagos.){kind=link}