The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title race intensified on Monday as former leaders Rivers United suffered a damaging 4-1 home defeat to Nasarawa United, while Abia Warriors secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Umuahia.
Rivers United’s faltering campaign took a severe hit in Lafia, where Nasarawa United produced a blistering start. The hosts went ahead within minutes through Ngei Oluka-Efor and doubled their lead via Abubakar Abdullahi before the ten-minute mark. Chimezie Victor extended the advantage in the 15th minute, effectively ending the contest early. Taiwo Abdulrafiu provided a momentary reply for the visitors nine minutes later, but JoFrank Istifanus restored Nasarawa’s three-goal cushion in the 58th minute. The result leaves Rivers United, who were pushing for the championship, stuck on 52 points in second place. Nasarawa United’s emphatic win propels them into third with 50 points, narrowing the gap at the summit and boosting their own top-four ambitions.
In the day’s other fixture, Abia Warriors claimed all three points in a tense encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Suraju Lawal opened the scoring for the home side, with Casmir Azubuike adding a second before halftime. Niger Tornadoes reduced the deficit through Joseph Godfrey in the second half, but Abia Warriors held firm to secure a 2-1 win. The victory provides a crucial boost for Abia Warriors as they seek to solidify a mid-table position, while Niger Tornadoes remain in a battle to avoid the lower reaches of the table.
These results have significantly reshaped the NPFL’s landscape with just a handful of matches remaining. Rivers United’s slip-up has reignited the title contest, applying pressure on league leaders and keeping the championship mathematically open for several contenders. Nasarawa United’s momentum makes them a formidable force in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification. For Abia Warriors, the win represents a positive step in their final push for a respectable finish. All eyes now turn to the upcoming midweek fixtures, where the top teams will look to capitalise on any further stumbles in a tightly packed and unpredictable title race.
