NPFL: Victory over El-Kanemi Warriors sees Rivers United back to the top

Rivers United moved back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table on Wednesday after securing a 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their rescheduled Matchday 23 fixture.

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Rivers United 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Wisdom Samuel with a super strike #NPFL26 #MD23 #RIVELK pic.twitter.com/NTqExorG8d

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 4, 2026

The match, which was held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, saw the Pride of Rivers put their foot on the gas to show their determination to secure all three points as Wisdom Samuel fired the hosts into the lead just nine minutes in, ensuring United went into the break with a one-goal advantage.

​While the second half began as a more balanced affair, the momentum shifted in the 71st minute when Chijioke Mbaoma opened his goal account for the season from the penalty spot. Samuel then added a third in stoppage time to seal his brace and the victory.

​A statement victory for Rivers United

The win sees Finidi George’s side move top of the NPFL with 49 points. With two games still in hand, the Port Harcourt club is now in a strong position to push for their second league title.

THE LOG.

How things stand after #RIVELK.#NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/9WUlELJNGF

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) March 4, 2026

​This result was a vital bounce back for Rivers United, who needed to recover following a narrow South-South derby defeat to Bayelsa United on Sunday.