NPFL Matchday 10 culminated in Ikorodu City ending Rivers United’s unbeaten run, while El-Kanemi Warriors extended theirs to ten games with a win over Katsina United in the Northern derby.
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) newbie Ikorodu City, ended Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run with a commanding 2-0 victory in their Matchday 10 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday, November 3.
Finidi George’s Rivers United came into the match with six wins and three draws in their opening nine matches of the 2024/25 NPFL season and looked set to secure maximum points against an Ikorodu City side that had previously suffered five losses, two draws, and only two wins. However, the hosts displayed clear winning intent in the opening 20 minutes, with Rivers’s goalkeeper Osage Onisodumeya making double saves to deny Taiwo Salaudeen and Alalade Solomon.
After a goalless first half, substitute Ayomide Cole made an instant impact, scoring his first goal of the season from Ojetoye Wali’s close-range pass. About five minutes later, two substitutes, Ajeyigbe Toyeeb and Ayemwenre Rivo, combined to extend Ikorodu’s lead, securing their third win of the season.
Elsewhere in Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors extended their unbeaten run to ten games with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United in the Northern derby. Mustapha Ibrahim’s 69th-minute strike made the difference for Aliyu Zubair’s side, marking their third win of the season after seven draws.
Remo Stars emerged as the biggest winners of Matchday 10, claiming a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars despite missing five first-team players called up to the CHAN Eagles squad. Okoro Ibe’s 47th-minute goal was enough to level them with Rivers United at the top of the league, both on 21 points, with the Sky Blue Stars edging Rivers on goal difference.
Other results from Matchday 10 include Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland FC defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Akwa United edging Kwara United 2-1, and Bayelsa United holding Enyimba to a 1-1 draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
The Matchday 10 fixtures wrapped up with Rangers International’s 2-1 victory over Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance’s 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars, Niger Tornadoes’ 2-1 triumph over Shooting Stars, and Kano Pillars securing a comeback 2-1 win over Plateau United, courtesy of goals from Rabiu Ali and Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.
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