Rivers United have stretched their lead at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Rangers International on Sunday, moving five points clear following Nasarawa United’s heavy defeat to Kano Pillars.
A second-half header from centre-back Bolu Sholumade in the 53rd minute secured the win for Finidi George’s side, giving Rivers United a strong position ahead of the league’s mid-season break.
The gap at the top widened further in Kano, where Kano Pillars delivered a statement performance in front of home fans after serving a five-game stadium ban. They defeated Nasarawa United 3-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Mustapha Umar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, while second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie and Jibrin Mustapha completed the commanding victory, lifting Pillars off the bottom and up to 18th place with 19 points. Meanwhile, Kun Khalifat FC and Plateau United slipped deeper into trouble, remaining in 20th and 19th positions, respectively.
Plateau United’s struggles continued at the New Jos Stadium, falling 1-0 at home to Abia Warriors, marking their third defeat at the venue this season. Similarly, Kun Khalifat FC lost 1-0 to Katsina United in Owerri, recording their fifth home loss.
In Aba, Enyimba closed out 2025 on a high note, beating Shooting Stars 3-0. Chinedu Ufere scored in the 16th minute before late strikes from Edidiong Ezekiel and Chidera Michael sealed the dominant victory.
Niger Tornadoes moved within a point of the top three after a 2-0 home win over relegation-threatened Barau FC. Abdulaziz Dalhatu opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Rickson Mendos sealing the win in stoppage time. Barau, who had briefly climbed out of danger, fell back into the bottom four with 21 points.
Other notable results from Matchday 19 included:
- Ikorodu City 1-0 Remo Stars
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Bayelsa United
- Warri Wolves 2-2 Wikki Tourists
- Bendel Insurance 2-0 Kwara United
The NPFL will resume on January 7, 2026, for Matchday 20 fixtures, with the mid-season transfer window opening from January 1 to January 30, 2026.
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