Rivers United climbed to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists in Port Harcourt, while Ikorodu City remained third following a goalless draw with Katsina United in Lagos.
Taofeek Otaniyi proved decisive for the hosts, scoring in the 19th minute to settle a tightly contested encounter. Rivers United believed they had doubled their advantage shortly after the interval, but Samson Obi’s acrobatic finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
The Pride of Rivers created further chances in both halves but were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Wikki Tourists defence determined to limit the damage.
The result extended Rivers United’s unbeaten NPFL run to nine matches, home and away. Their last defeat came in October, a 2-1 home loss to Bayelsa United. The win lifted them above Nasarawa United into first place, opening a two-point lead at the summit with a game in hand. Rivers United now have 33 points from 16 matches, with nine wins, six draws and one defeat.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Ikorodu City missed the chance to move into second place after being held 0-0 by visiting Katsina United.
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Victory would have taken the Oga Boys to within two points of leaders Rivers United, but the draw leaves them third, two points behind Nasarawa United and four adrift of the top.
Ikorodu City remain two points clear of fourth-placed Abia Warriors and three ahead of Niger Tornadoes.
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Next, Ikorodu City travel to face Enugu Rangers, while Rivers United are set for an away fixture against Barau FC.
