Bendel Insurance handed Rivers United their first defeat of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Jonathan James scored in the 89th minute to seal the win for the hosts, ending Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run and tightening the race at the top of the league table.
Despite the setback in the Matchday 10 encounter, Rivers United retained first place with 17 points and a goal difference of +10 after 10 matches.
Rangers International and Nasarawa United also have 17 points, occupying second and third positions with goal differences of +5 and +3, respectively. Rangers, however, have two matches in hand because of their continental commitments.
Plateau United sit fourth with 15 points, keeping the competition for the leading positions closely contested.
Late winner sinks Rivers United
The encounter remained goalless at half-time, with Rivers United goalkeeper Clinton Andy making three point-blank saves to keep his side in the contest.
Bendel Insurance broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart when Freeman Wuchirwe scored in the 48th minute.
Rivers United responded in the 73rd minute as Chijioke Mbaoma finished calmly after receiving a precise through ball from Shola Oladunjoye behind the Bendel defence.
The visitors appeared poised to secure a point before James struck in the 89th minute to give Bendel Insurance all three points.
Ikorodu City rally to draw with Shooting Stars
In another Matchday 10 fixture, Ikorodu City fought back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars.
Taofeek Otaniyi gave Shooting Stars an early lead in the third minute before Desmond Ojietefian extended their advantage in the 36th minute.
Donald Obiajulu reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City in the 44th minute before completing his brace later in the match to secure a point for the hosts.
Barau FC and Kwara United also shared the points after playing out a 1-1 draw. Anthony Sunday scored for Barau before Goodluck Ogbolu equalised for Kwara United in the 63rd minute.
Nasarawa United close in on leaders
Nasarawa United strengthened their position among the league’s leading sides with a 1-0 victory over Enyimba. Jofrank Istifanus scored the decisive goal in the 23rd minute.
Niger Tornadoes also recorded a 1-0 away win over Abia Warriors in Aba, with Wasiu Jimoh finding the net in the 56th minute.
Kun Khalifat FC claimed a 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos, while Wolves and Kano Pillars played out a goalless draw.
Pressure builds at the bottom
While the battle for the top positions remains tight, the struggle to avoid relegation is also intensifying.
According to the reported standings, Abia Warriors occupy 17th place with 10 points, while Ranchers Bees and Enyimba International sit 18th and 19th with eight points each.
Enyimba have a goal difference of -4, compared with Ranchers Bees’ -3.
Inter Lagos remain bottom in 20th place with two points following a three-point and three-goal deduction for an infraction.
Rivers United face Rangers next
Rivers United will have an immediate opportunity to respond to their first defeat when they host Rangers International at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday, November 1.
The fixture could prove significant in the title race, with both clubs among the leading contenders and Rangers still having games in hand.
