Rivers United Fall Short in NPFL Title Chase Despite Dominant Final-Day Victory

Rivers United’s 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season ended with a mixture of celebration and disappointment after a convincing win over Katsina United failed to deliver the league title.

Playing in front of their supporters at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on a rain-soaked Sunday evening, the Port Harcourt club entered the final day knowing they needed to defeat Katsina United and hope Enugu Rangers dropped points away to Ikorodu City.

Rivers United Deliver but Depend on Favourable Results Elsewhere

The Pride of Rivers handled their part of the assignment with authority, producing a commanding display to secure a 3-0 victory. However, their title ambitions were ultimately decided elsewhere as Rangers held firm to claim the championship.

Rivers United took control of the contest in the 19th minute when Chijioke Mbaoma converted a penalty after a Katsina United defender was penalised for handball inside the area.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the hosts maintained their lead until halftime.

The second half saw Rivers United increase the tempo. Okon Aniekeme doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Four minutes later, Mbaoma grabbed his second goal of the evening to make it 3-0, sending home fans into celebration as hopes of a title triumph remained alive.

Rangers Edge Title Race as Rivers Settle for Continental Football

While Rivers United were taking care of business in Port Harcourt, Enugu Rangers were doing the same in Lagos. Chidiebere Nwobodo struck once in each half to put Rangers in command against Ikorodu City.

Although Ali Moses reduced the deficit for the hosts, Rangers held on for a 2-1 victory, a result that secured the NPFL title by a single point ahead of Rivers United.

The outcome meant Rivers United finished the campaign in second place and secured qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.

Reflecting on the season, the club may look back at a costly stretch of four consecutive away defeats that ultimately proved decisive in the closely contested title race.

Speaking after the match, head coach Finidi George praised his players’ effort but admitted the disappointment of missing out on the title.

“We gave everything today, but a league title is not decided on the final match alone. There were games earlier in the season where we dropped important points. On the last day, we found ourselves depending on another team to help us, and that is never ideal.

“The players worked hard and fought until the end. We have to congratulate Rangers for the consistency they showed throughout the campaign.

We hoped Ikorodu City could get a result, even a draw, but it didn’t happen. It’s a difficult moment for the players, but we have to move forward.”