With a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Wikki Tourists FC in Bauchi on matchday 37, Rivers United maintained their hopes of winning the Nigeria Premier Football League title, setting up a difficult final-day matchup with leaders Enugu Rangers, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Before securing a crucial late victory to stay firmly in the hunt for the championship going into the season’s final round, Rivers twice overcame deficits.
In the 21st minute, Jonathan Mairiga gave Wikki the lead, but in the 35th, Handsome Surveyor tied the score for Rivers.
Imamu Bala gave the home team the lead again in the 47th minute shortly after the resumption, but Rivers United tied the score just before the hour mark.
In the 83rd minute, the visitors finished the comeback with a pivotal goal to earn the most points possible in Bauchi.
The outcome guaranteed that Rivers United would remain within striking distance of Rangers, who also won a crucial 2-1 match against Bendel Insurance in Enugu.
Before halftime, Alex Oweifaleya equalized for Bendel Insurance after Godwin Obaje gave Rangers the lead in the eighteenth minute.
After Obaje scored from the penalty spot in the 66th minute to give the Flying Antelopes a vital victory at the Cathedral, Rangers finally recovered the lead.
With one round of games left, Rangers continue to lead the NPFL standings with 65 points, one point ahead of Rivers United in second place. This means that the two teams are now mathematically tied for the championship.
Rivers United will host Katsina United FC in Port Harcourt in the last round on May 24, while Rangers will travel to Lagos to play continental-chasing Ikorodu City. The match promises to be dramatic.
If Rangers defeat Ikorodu City, they would win their eighth league championship; however, the Lagos team is also vying for a continental ticket and needs to win to increase their chances.
Ikorodu’s chances of winning continental football were severely damaged when Katsina United defeated them 4-1 at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Azeez Falolu increased Katsina’s lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after Jamilu Yusuf had opened the score in the sixth.
Katsina quickly took a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime, and Jamilu scored his second goal of the game in the 31st minute.
Although Ikorodu was able to cut the gap in the second half, Katsina’s decisive 4-1 victory damaged the visitors’ hopes of making the continent.
In other news, Shooting Stars moved up to third position with a 1-0 victory over Barau thanks to a goal from Lucky Emmanuel in the 41st minute.
The NPFL title race and the struggle for continental qualifying will continue to the very end, with all matchday 38 games being played concurrently.
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