Bendel Insurance have ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Port Harcourt-based club in Benin City on Sunday.
Bendel Insurance have ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Port Harcourt-based club in Benin City on Sunday.
The Benin Arsenal secured all three points through Jonathan James’ stoppage-time winner after both teams had fought hard in an entertaining encounter.
The result represents a significant setback for Rivers United, who had maintained their unbeaten record before travelling to face Bendel Insurance.
Bendel Insurance Stun Rivers United with Late Winner
Bendel Insurance took the lead three minutes into the second half when Freeman Wuchirwe found the back of the net to put the hosts in front.
Rivers United responded positively and continued searching for an equaliser, eventually drawing level through Chijioke Mbaoma with 17 minutes remaining.
With the contest seemingly heading towards a draw, Jonathan James delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time, scoring to hand Bendel Insurance a memorable 2-1 victory.
The late goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and brought Rivers United’s unbeaten run to an end.
Ikorodu City Fight Back to Hold Shooting Stars
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, Ikorodu City produced an impressive comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against South-West rivals Shooting Stars.
Shooting Stars appeared to be heading towards victory after Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian scored to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 advantage.
However, Ikorodu City refused to surrender and mounted a determined comeback, with Donald Obiajulu scoring twice to rescue a point for the Lagos-based club.
The result denied Shooting Stars maximum points despite their early advantage and underlined Ikorodu City’s resilience in front of their home supporters.
Niger Tornadoes Secure Away Victory Against Abia Warriors
Niger Tornadoes recorded the only away win among the matches listed, defeating Abia Warriors 1-0 in Aba.
Wasiu Jimoh scored the decisive goal four minutes before the hour mark, giving the visitors a valuable victory on the road.
Abia Warriors were unable to find an equaliser as Niger Tornadoes held on to claim all three points from the encounter.
Nasarawa United Edge Enyimba in Lafia
At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United defeated nine-time Nigerian league champions Enyimba 1-0.
Jofrank Istifanus scored the only goal in the 23rd minute to give the hosts an early advantage.
Enyimba, one of the most decorated clubs in Nigerian football, could not find a response as Nasarawa United protected their lead to secure victory.
The result handed the Lafia-based side an important win against one of the NPFL’s most established teams.
Barau FC and Kwara United Share Points in Kano
Barau FC and Kwara United settled for a 1-1 draw in Kano after both teams found the net in an evenly contested encounter.
Anthony Sunday gave Barau FC the lead five minutes before half-time, putting the hosts in a favourable position heading into the break.
Kwara United fought back after the interval, with Goodluck Ogbolu restoring parity three minutes after the hour mark.
Neither side could find a winning goal, forcing both teams to settle for a point.
Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars Play Out Goalless Draw
Warri Wolves and four-time Nigerian champions Kano Pillars played out a 0-0 draw in Ozoro.
Despite efforts from both sides, neither team managed to break the deadlock as the encounter ended without a goal.
The result saw both clubs share the points in a contest where defensive resilience proved decisive.
Kun Khalifat FC Beat Inter Lagos
Kun Khalifat FC secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos in another fixture on the matchday.
The result gave Kun Khalifat all three points, while Inter Lagos left the encounter without a point.
The victory added another important result to the day’s NPFL action, which featured a mixture of narrow wins, late drama and entertaining draws.
NPFL Full Results
The following are the results of the matches listed for the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday:
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United
Barau FC 1-1 Kwara United
Abia Warriors 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
Ikorodu City 2-2 Shooting Stars
Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 Inter Lagos
Nasarawa United 1-0 Enyimba
Warri Wolves 0-0 Kano Pillars
