Boluwaji Sholumade was the hero in Port Harcourt on Sunday, netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Rivers United edged Ikorodu City 1-0 in a fiercely contested Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash. The victory boosted Rivers United’s NPFL title hopes, narrowing the gap behind league leaders Remo Stars to just five points.
Finidi George’s men, aiming to keep pace in the title race, left it late, but Sholumade match-winner ensured they secured maximum points and stayed firmly in the hunt. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City remain fifth on the log despite the narrow defeat.
DECISIVE MOMENT ALERT!
Boluwaji Sholumade scores the winner in added time! A brilliant team effort from Temple Emekayi, Muyiwa Fehintola, Stephen Manyo & Boluwaji seals the 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City FC! #NPFL25 #MD30 #RIVIKO pic.twitter.com/D26jJm6LdX
— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 24, 2025NPFL Roundup: Abia Warriors Claim Derby Bragging Rights, Enyimba Held at Home
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors climbed to third place in the standings after a crucial 1-0 victory over oriental rivals Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Adejoh Ojonugwa’s late strike in the 81st minute made the difference, earning Abia Warriors all three points in the tightly contested derby.
In Aba, nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba were frustrated by Bayelsa United in a 1-1 draw. Ekene Awazie gave the hosts the perfect start with an eighth-minute goal, but Bayelsa United hit back almost immediately through Ogba Ifeanyi, who leveled the score to deny Enyimba victory at home.
Relegation Battle Intensifies: Akwa United, Katsina United Shine
Akwa United gave their survival hopes a massive boost with a crucial 2-0 away win over Kwara United in Ilorin. Goals from Osoba Kabir and Uche Sabastine powered the Promise Keepers to a vital win, lifting them further from the relegation zone.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Katsina United cruised to a commanding 3-0 win over struggling El-Kanemi Warriors. Goals from Moses Effiong, Bello Lukman, and Abdul Taofeek sealed a dominant display for the home side as they continue their push for mid-table stability.
Full NPFL Results – Matchday Round:
- Heartland 0-1 Abia Warriors
- Enyimba 1-1 Bayelsa United
- Rivers United 1-0 Ikorodu City
- Katsina United 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
- Kwara United 0-2 Akwa United
- Shooting Stars 3-1 Niger Tornadoes
