Rivers United’s opportunity to increase their tally was crushed after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Kwara United in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday afternoon.
The Pride of Rivers got out to a fast start at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin, taking the lead just two minutes into the game.
To give the visitors a 1-0 lead, Joseph Onoja sent a wonderful corner kick into the Kwara United area, which was completed off by Nelson Esor.
The first half finished with the Stanley Eguma side leading by a goal difference, and the hosts commenced the second half with two rapid attempts that resulted in corner kicks, but they were unable to capitalize.
The home team kept pressing for a goal and, by chance, levelled the score in the 57th minute when Samad Kadiri seized on Rivers United defensive blunder.
Eighteen minutes later, the visitors found themselves trailing 2-1 after conceding for the second time in this encounter, thanks to Jide Fatokun’s goal.
Kwara United 2-1 Rivers United was the scoreline at the end of the final whistle.
With the 2-1 loss in Ilorin, Rivers United surrendered all three points and failed to move seven points ahead at the top of the NPFL standings.
Rivers United still maintains its lead in the NPFL with for points, having won 12 of the last 12 matchdays and dominating the league table with 55 points from 26 games.
In Katsina, Destiny Ashadi strike in the 56th minute quenched Coach Deji Ayeni fine run at Akwa United. The Promise Keepers suffered their first defeat in their last seven league matches as Destiny Ashadi scored from close range after meeting a loose ball.
At the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne, Remo Stars secured maximum points courtesy of Lekan Adebayo. Lekan Adebayo put the hosts in front with a beautiful finish inside the visitors’ box.
Wikki Tourist coach, Kabiru Dogo looked helpless on the day with the Giant Elephants losing their second fixture in their last five games. Five points out of a possible 15.
In Lagos, Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw in Lagos with MFM also struggling to win the game. MFM have drawn six games this season, with Enugu Rangers increasing their tally of stalemates to nine.
In Ogun State, neither stars could shine today at the Dipo Dina Stadium with both Sunshine and Shooting Stars unable to gather three points as the points were shared evenly in Ogun State.
In Makurdi, struggling Lobi Stars battled their way out of the relegation zone to secure maximum points against Nasarawa United.
The home team went ahead after Ifeanyi Ogba cooly finished off a brilliant Onuwa Chukwuka’s pass.
Eight minutes until th the end of regular time, Godfrey Utim doubled the lead but it was halved at the 90th-minute mark by Tochukwu Michael who scored from the spot t after Tsehuan fouled Adamu Hassan in the box.
In the South Eastern derby, it was all decided in the first 45′ as both sides rushed to register a goal, with the home team registering more.
The victory makes it the Naze Millionaires second in their last three games as they are currently seated 17th on the log.
