Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered excitement and drama across the country, with Rivers United reclaiming the top spot, Bendel Insurance asserting dominance, and Kano Pillars staging a thrilling comeback.

 

Rivers United Edge Abia Warriors to Top the Table

 

Rivers United climbed back to the top of the NPFL standings with a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors. Ndifreke Effiong’s 58th-minute goal sealed the win, bringing Rivers United to 25 points from 13 matches.

 

Shooting Stars Secure Fourth Straight Home Win

 

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars continued their impressive home run by defeating Bayelsa United 1-0. Anthony Okachi’s strike earned 3SC their fourth consecutive home victory, moving them to 10th place on the table.

 

Katsina United Cruise Past Remo Stars

 

Katsina United delivered a commanding 2-0 victory against Remo Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Goals from Azeez Falolu and Boslam Dawi secured the win, boosting Katsina United’s league standing.

 

Plateau United Dominate Nasarawa United

 

In Jos, Plateau United recorded a solid 2-0 win over Nasarawa United. An own goal from Shina Kumater in the 51st minute and a late strike from Olawale Doyeni sealed the points for the home side.

 

Kano Pillars Stage Dramatic Comeback Against Lobi Stars

 

Kano Pillars displayed resilience in a 2-2 draw with Lobi Stars. Early goals from John Victor and Liman Amadou put Lobi in control, but late strikes by Rabiu Ali and Mustapha Umar rescued a point for the Pillars.

 

Bendel Insurance Outclass Kwara United

 

Bendel Insurance put on a dominant performance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, beating Kwara United 3-1. Nazir Mohammed scored twice, while Austin Ogunye added another. Emmanuel Ogbole managed a consolation goal for the visitors.

 

El-Kanemi Warriors Edge Akwa United

 

El-Kanemi Warriors secured a crucial 1-0 win over Akwa United in Maiduguri, thanks to Ibrahim Mustapha’s decisive goal.

 

Goalless Draws in Key Matches

 

Two games ended in goalless stalemates. Ikorodu City held Niger Tornadoes to a 0-0 draw in Minna, extending their unbeaten streak to four games. In Owerri, the oriental derby between Heartland FC and Enugu Rangers also ended without goals, leaving both teams to share the points.

 

Updated Standings

 

• Top Spot: Rivers United (25 points)

• Notable Performers: Bendel Insurance, Plateau United, and Shooting Stars.

• Unbeaten Runs: Ikorodu City remains unbeaten in four games.

 

Matchday 12 highlighted the fierce competition in the NPFL, with thrilling comebacks, dominant displays, and intense rivalries defining the weekend.