Rivers United and Enyimba quest for the Nigeria Premier football league (NPFL) title was dealt a setback today as they were both held to draw at home by Bendel Insurance and Heartland on match day 20.
In Port Harcourt, Bendel Insurance took an early lead in the 6th minute through Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi.
Rivers United responded ten minutes before halftime with a stunning 25-yard strike from Ubong Friday, leveling the score.
Just five minutes into the second half, Uche Collins put Bendel Insurance back in front.
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However, the home side quickly found their equalizer, with Handsome Surveyor scoring in the 52nd minute to make it 2-2.
The draw sees Rivers United drop to third place in the standings with 35 points from 21 matches, now seven points behind leaders Remo Stars.
In other action, Enyimba were held to a 1-1 draw by Heartland in the ‘Oriental Derby.’
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Heartland took the lead in the 18th minute when Daniel Ekpo converted a penalty after being fouled in the box.
Enyimba responded ten minutes into the second half with an equalizer from Joseph Atule, leaving the game tied at 1-1.
The result leaves Enyimba in eighth place with 28 points from 20 matches.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes moved up to seventh with a 2-1 victory over Kwara United, while Katsina United secured a last-minute penalty to defeat Plateau United, moving five points clear of the relegation zone.
Remo Stars continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Abia Warriors, taking their points tally to 42. With Shooting Stars trailing by six points in second place, Remo now look in control of the title race as they secured a fourth consecutive league win.
Match day 21 full results. (Photo credits @NPFL)
Nigeria Premier football league 2024/2025 season returns this weekend with match day 22.