Despite all the hype and expectations, the much-anticipated clash between Enyimba and Rivers United ended in a goalless draw in Aba during the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 7 showdown.
Both sides were unable to find a breakthrough at Enyimba International Stadium, leaving fans wanting more while preserving their unbeaten records heading into matchday eight.
Enyimba vs Rivers United ends in cagey draw
The match started with high intensity, but chances were scarce at either end. The People’s Elephant tried to assert dominance through patient buildup play, while the Pride of Rivers focused on maintaining defensive shape and hitting on the counter.
Despite flashes of attacking quality from both sides, the game lacked a decisive moment.
Goalkeepers and defenders were tested but held firm, keeping the clean sheets intact. The stalemate ensures both teams remain unbeaten, with Enyimba sitting second on the NPFL table and Rivers United fourth.
“I knew it was always gonna be a tough battle against Enyimba, as they’ve had in recent time good results at home and away so far before playing against us. We had to set up well, and the players gave their all as we took a point back home,” Finidi George said.
Nasarawa United extend lead amid NPFL week 7 surprises
Nasarawa maintained their commanding position at the top of the table with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in Benin City, their 4th straight win so far.
Mohammed Garba’s stoppage-time winner ensured the Solid Miners’ unbeaten start continued and widened the gap to three points over Enyimba.
Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 2-1, with Daddy Abdulrahman scoring both goals.
Warri Wolves snatched a 1-0 victory at Barau FC thanks to Justus Ohanu, while Ikorodu City earned a late 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United.
Abia Warriors edged Kwara United 1-0, and Kun Khalifat shared spoils with Niger Tornadoes after a 1-1 draw.
Drama peaked in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars stunned Plateau United with a 95th-minute winner from Ismail Ayodele, marking their third straight win.
The clash between Enugu Rangers and Katsina United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was postponed due to a heavy downpour.
The Flying Antelopes later clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to Godwin Obaje’s 85th-minute strike.
Their momentum, however, was dampened three minutes later when Alex Jerry received a straight red card, leaving them to finish the game with ten men.
The win lifts the Coal City side out of the relegation area and up to 12th place on eight points, while Katsina United stay ninth with nine points.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars struck twice late on to claim a well-deserved victory over Wikki Tourist in Ikenne.
After a cagey first half, the breakthrough finally came just 10 minutes before stoppage time when Adama Goita latched onto an inch-perfect cross from Abubakar, side-footing the ball neatly into the net.
In stoppage time, Alex Oyowah doubled the lead, capitalising on a mistake by Wikki goalkeeper Chizoba Okoh, who failed to deal with Chilekwu’s free kick, allowing Oyowah to smash home and secure all three points for the defending champions.
As it stands, Nasarawa United continue to lead the NPFL table with 16 points. Enyimba sit second with 13, followed by Abia Warriors and Rivers United on 12 points each.
At the bottom, Enugu Rangers, Barau FC, Kun Khalifat, and Kano Pillars remain in the relegation zone, making the fight to avoid the drop increasingly tense.
Both Enyimba and Rivers United will look to convert draws into victories as they aim to challenge Nasarawa United for the top spot.
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