Rivers United Edge Remo Stars as Bendel Insurance Extend Unbeaten Run in NPFL

Rivers United strengthened their position atop the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings with a hard-fought 1–0 home win over defending champions Remo Stars in a Matchday 21 fixture on Sunday. The only goal came late in the game from Aniekeme Okon, who struck in the 81st minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to secure all three points for the Port Harcourt-based side.

The victory keeps Rivers United in first place with 41 points from 21 matches, extending their advantage at the summit as the season unfolds. Meanwhile, Remo Stars were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Chigozie Chilekwu was sent off, which the hosts capitalised on to clinch the result.

Elsewhere on a busy Matchday 21, Bendel Insurance continued their impressive resurgence, remaining unbeaten in nine games after a 3–2 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Bayelsa United also enjoyed success with a 2–0 victory over Shooting Stars, while Ikorodu City bounced back with a 1–0 home win against Kwara United. Other action saw Nasarawa United defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1 and Plateau United edge Wikki Tourists 1–0.

The results show the competitive depth of this season’s NPFL, with several clubs jostling for continental qualification spots amid an intense title race.

EDITORIAL

In the narrative arc of a championship campaign, certain victories resonate beyond the mere three points they offer they signify momentum, belief and the quiet assertion of intent. Rivers United’s 1–0 triumph over Remo Stars a match decided in the late stages by Aniekeme Okon’s decisive strike — was precisely such a moment. In a league where fortunes oscillate from week to week, the capacity to win tight contests under pressure reveals much about a team’s character.

This fixture was more than a test of skill it was a crucible of temperament. With Remo Stars reduced to ten men, the dynamics shifted palpably, inviting both caution and enterprise. Rivers United, harried by expectations and the weight of their position atop the table, navigated that transition with a blend of strategic discipline and opportunism. Okon’s goal did not merely settle a match — it encapsulated the psychological edge that separates contenders from pretenders in sustained title races.

Yet this chapter of the NPFL story extends beyond just the leaders. Bendel Insurance’s continuation of their unbeaten run to nine games underscores a resurgence built on resilience and cohesion. This is not a side content merely to survive they are accumulating points with purpose, often against formidable opponents. Such trajectory speaks to the rich competitive tapestry of the NPFL a league where surprise, solidity and spirited performance converge week after week.

For Rivers United, the road ahead remains arduous. Success in Port Harcourt will be measured not just by final positions but by consistency — the hardest currency in football. In a competition defined by narrow margins and unforgiving schedules, moments like this win over Remo Stars are the gestures that forge lasting narratives of ambition and ascendancy.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Rivers United’s win over Remo Stars cemented their position as NPFL leaders with 41 points from 21 games, underlining their strong title credentials this season.
2. Bendel Insurance have remained unbeaten in nine matches, with just one loss overall since coach Kennedy Boboye’s appointment, highlighting their remarkable resurgence.
3. Remo Stars were reduced to 10 men in the Rivers United match when defender Chigozie Chilekwu received a red card, impacting their ability to rally.
4. Matchday 21 also saw Bayelsa United beat Shooting Stars 2–0 and Ikorodu City edge Kwara United 1–0, showing the competitive depth across the league.
5. The 2025–26 NPFL season’s longest unbeaten run so far belongs to Rivers United, reflecting their consistency and strong defensive record.