Rivers United maintained their momentum in the race for a second Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
After a goalless first half, the Pride of Rivers opened the scoring in the 53rd minute through former league top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma, who headed home a corner kick from Iyowuna Douglas.
Douglas was the provider again in the 81st minute, setting up Wisdom Samuel for the hosts’ second goal.
Bendel Insurance pulled one back in the 89th minute, but there was still enough time for Samson Obi to restore the two-goal advantage and seal the score at 3-1.
With two games in hand, Rivers United hold a two-point gap over former champions Rangers International, who thrashed reigning champions Remo Stars 4-1 in Enugu.
Left-back Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring for the Flying Antelopes in the fourth minute, and Chidozie Iwundu doubled the advantage four minutes later.
Franck Mawuena reduced the deficit for Remo Stars before halftime, but the hosts returned with more firepower in the second half to pile further misery on the defending champions.
Wisdom Ebirim added the third in the 62nd minute, while Igboke completed the scoring in stoppage time to send Remo Stars to the bottom of the table.
Remo Stars have now lost 17 games this season and have 30 points after 29 matches.
Nine-time champions Enyimba also dropped into the relegation zone on Sunday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Warri Wolves.
Thanks to a lone goal from Ahmed Musa, former champions Kano Pillars moved two points above the relegation zone after beating Barau FC 1-0 in a Kano derby.
