NPFL: Rivers United stumble as continental race tightens in matchday 30

Matchday 30 from the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) concluded on Monday. Only two teams in the push for continental slots secured victories, while Rivers United failed to extend their lead at the summit after suffering a 1-0 away defeat to Ikorodu City.

The action kicked off at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where Bendel Insurance F.C. bounced back to winning ways by edging relegation-bound Kun Khalifat 2-1. First-half goals from Emmanuel Akpan and Kayode Oke gave the hosts the advantage before Amaefula Chikamso pulled one back for the visitors.

Sunday’s fixtures

Defending champions Remo Stars’ quest to remain in the top flight continued as they secured a 2-1 victory over ten-man Nasarawa United. Ahmed Akinyele’s goal was canceled out by Suleiman Dauda before a late strike from Michael Ibe secured all three points.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Barau FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-0, putting a dent in the visitors’ continental dreams. A first-half brace from Muhammad Umar was all the newly promoted side needed to secure the win.

In the South-South derby, Bayelsa United emerged 2-1 victors over Warri Wolves. Kalu Chukwu’s goal for the Seasiders was not enough to spark a comeback.

Three draws were recorded on Sunday. Kwara United played out a goalless stalemate against title-chasing Enugu Rangers International, while Niger Tornadoes FC and Kano Pillars also shared the points. El-Kanemi Warriors played to a 1-1 draw against Katsina United; Uche Collins took the lead for Katsina in the 44th minute before Daddy Abdulrahman leveled the tie just before the break.

Meanwhile, Enyimba secured their first victory in four games with a 2-0 win over Plateau United at the Enyimba Township Stadium.

How the table looks

Following the conclusion of Matchday 30, Rivers United (52 points) remains top of the NPFL table with a game in hand. Despite their draw, Enugu Rangers sit second, trailing by just one point.

Ikorodu City’s victory moves them into third position, while Nasarawa United completes the top four slots for continental contention. They are followed closely by Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors in 5th and 6th positions, respectively.

THE LOG.

How things stand after Match day 30.#NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/cjOQUZdWin

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) March 16, 2026

NPFL: Full Matchday 30 results

Elkanemi Warriors FC 1-1 Katsina United FC

Kwara united FC 0-0 Rangers INTL FC

Bayelsa United FC 2-1 Warri Wolves FC

Niger Tornadoes FC 0-0 Kano Pillars FC

Enyimba FC 2-0 Plateau United FC

Remo Stars SC 2-1 Nasarawa United FC

Shooting Stars SC 3-2 Wikki Tourist FC

Barau FC 2-0 Abia Warriors FC

Bendel Insurance FC 2-1 Kun Khalifat FC

Ikorodu City 1-0 Rivers United