2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33: Clinical Warri Wolves halt Rivers United’s title charge

Posted : 06 April 2026

Warri Wolves delivered a composed and clinical performance to derail Rivers United’s title push, securing a decisive 2-0 victory in a fiercely contested Match Day 33 encounter of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the University Stadium, Ozoro.

In a fixture that carried significant implications for the title race, the hosts wasted no time asserting control. Warri Wolves drew first blood early in the contest, as Igbunu Evwierhurhoma confidently converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after a defensive lapse inside the box gifted the Seasiders a crucial opportunity.

Despite Rivers United’s status as league leaders heading into the clash, they struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances.

Their attacking line lacked the cutting edge required in such a high-stakes derby, leaving the Warri Wolves defence relatively untroubled throughout the encounter.

As the game wore on, the visitors pushed for a way back, but their efforts proved futile against a disciplined and resolute home side.

Any lingering hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Othuke Egbo calmly finished to double the advantage in the 90th minute, sealing all three points in emphatic fashion.

The result not only underlines Warri Wolves’ growing confidence since their return to the top flight but also significantly tightens the title race.

Rivers United, who would have consolidated their position at the summit with a positive result, were instead left to rue missed opportunities and a lack of urgency in key moments.

Speaking after the match, Technical Adviser Finidi George acknowledged his side’s shortcomings, attributing the defeat to a dip in motivation.

He admitted that while a draw might have reflected their effort, his team ultimately failed to rise to the occasion.

“Every loss is painful, especially at this stage of the season. A point would have been valuable, but we couldn’t make it count,” he said.

Following the defeat, Rivers United drop to second place on the NPFL table with 55 points, level with leaders Rangers but trailing on goal difference, further intensifying the battle for the title as the season approaches its climax.

Rivers United will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Plateau United, where a response will be crucial to keep their championship aspirations alive.

This setback for the former leaders has opened the door for their rivals, making the final weeks of the campaign highly unpredictable. For Warri Wolves, the victory serves as a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to compete with the league's elite teams.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33: Clinical Warri Wolves halt Rivers United’s title charge

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