Rivers United secured a point at Rangers on Saturday in a 0-0 draw, extending their outstanding record in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Following the draw at the Awka Township Stadium, Stanley Eguma and his Rivers United team now just need five points to win the title this season.

Particularly in the opening and final phases, the game could have gone either way.

Chijioke Akuneto, the league’s leading scorer, came close to scoring his 17th goal of the year for the Port Harcourt team but was forced to watch as his shot hit the post early on.

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At the very last second, Rivers United goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda made a great save to save Chidiebere Nwobodo from winning all three points.

Rivers United is now within striking distance of winning their first championship since changing their name from Dolphins FC and Shar Sharks FC in 2016.

This is due to their point total in Awka.

Although there are six matches on Sunday, including Plateau United hosting Gombe United for second place, Rivers United now leads the pursuing pack in the league by 11 points.

Heartland struggled to a 1-0 victory over Katsina United in order to fuel their battle for survival.

A second half goal from the spot proved sufficient for Heartland to take the full points and move into 17th place with 40 points.

Former champions Kano Pillars lost their 15th match of the season in 2-3 defeat to Abia Warriors which puts them in a dire position of being relegated for the first time in 23 years.

Warriors got their goals from Paul Samson, Emmanuel Onu and Godwin Obaje. Despite Rabiu Ali’s best attempt of two assists for Ifeanyi Kelvin Eze and Auwalu Ali Malam to score, Pillars still faltered and that leaves them in the bottom-four.

Niger Tornadoes put themselves in a good position in their bid for survival with a 1-0 over Nasarawa United.

Jimmy Abdul scored the winner with 20 minutes to time.