The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race has been thrown wide open after Rivers United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Nasarawa United in Lafia.
The result sees Rivers United slip to second place, two points behind new leaders Enugu Rangers, who moved to the top of the table following a 2-0 win over El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday.
Rivers United had previously led the standings with games in hand due to their involvement in the CAF Champions League. However, a run of four consecutive defeats has dented their title challenge, leaving them under pressure with seven matches remaining.
Nasarawa United took control of the contest early, scoring three times inside the opening 16 minutes. Ngei Oluka-Efor opened the scoring in the third minute, before Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the lead shortly after. Izuchukwu Chimezie added a third, leaving the visitors struggling to recover.
Taiwo Abdulrafiu pulled one back midway through the first half, but the response proved insufficient. After a tense restart that briefly saw play halted, Jofrank Istifanus sealed the victory for the hosts with a second-half goal.
READ ALSO:fulham-push-to-secure-chukwueze-after-impressive-loan-spell
The win lifts Nasarawa United to third place, two points behind Rivers United and four off league leaders Rangers International.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors strengthened their position in the top five with a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes. Goals from Suraj Lawal and Casmir Azubuike put the hosts in control before a late reply from Joseph Godfrey.
