NPFL: Rivers United Stretch Lead at Summit as League Begins Mid-Season Break

Rivers United have extended their lead atop the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings as the league entered a mid-season break. The Pride of Rivers secured a 1–0 victory over Rangers International on Matchday 19, earning them a four-point cushion at the top with 37 points at the halfway point of the campaign.

The win, courtesy of Boluwaji Sholumade’s 53rd-minute strike, confirmed Rivers United as halfway champions and strengthened their title credentials as the league paused for the festive break.

The NPFL is on a scheduled mid-season pause from December 29 to January 13, with the winter transfer window open for clubs to make adjustments before action resumes.

Editorial

In a competition as fiercely contested as the Nigeria Premier Football League, rising above the pack at the halfway mark is more than just a mathematical feat — it’s a declaration of intent. Rivers United’s surge to the summit, underpinned by disciplined performances and key victories, demonstrates a blend of consistency and character that separates contenders from pretenders.

Their latest triumph a 1–0 win over Rangers International not only yielded the points but also underscored Rivers United’s ability to grind out results when games are tight. In league environments where fluctuations are the norm and no fixture can be taken for granted, this trademark resilience becomes a competitive asset. Being “halfway champions” is not just a label it’s a testament to composure across fixtures that range from tactical stalemates to physical battles.

The timing of this ascendancy just before the mid-season break grants Rivers United both psychological and strategic leverage. A pause in the calendar can be disruptive for some, but for a team sitting clear at the top, it is an opportunity to reassess, fortify, and recharge. The opening of the January transfer window adds another layer, offering clubs the chance to refine squads for the decisive second stanza. If Rivers United manage this window with clarity and balance, they could enter the final stretch not just as leaders, but as genuine title favourites.

Yet football rarely offers straightforward paths. Injuries, dips in form and the compressed nature of the NPFL season can erode leads as quickly as they are built. For Rivers United, the challenge now is to merge momentum with adaptability — to remain steadfast in approach while embracing the tactical and personnel flexibility necessary as rivals look to narrow the gap.

In a league as dynamic as Nigeria’s top flight, what matters most is not where a team stands today, but how it sustains that position tomorrow. Rivers United’s first-half campaign has written a strong opening chapter the question now is whether they can turn early promise into lasting legacy.

Did You Know?

1. Halfway Champions Rivers United were officially recognised as half-way champions after Matchday 19, leading the NPFL table with 37 points.
2. Decisive Goal Boluwaji Sholumade’s goal in the 53rd minute sealed the victory that propelled Rivers United clear at the top.
3. Mid-Season Break Confirmed The NPFL mid-season break runs from December 29 to January 13, with the January transfer window open throughout.
4. Transfer Window Timing The NPFL’s January transfer window open until January 31 allows clubs to reinforce squads before the second half of the season.
5. Close Title Race Despite Rivers United’s lead, Abia Warriors are closely chasing in second place with 33 points, keeping the title race competitive.