2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Rivers United FC Cruise Past Plateau United FC

Posted : 31 August 2026

Rivers United FC made a strong statement on the opening day of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, defeating Plateau United 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

The Pride of Rivers settled the contest with two first-half goals from new signing Shehu Dabai and Wasiu Falolu, giving coach Finidi George’s side a comfortable start to the campaign.

Rivers United started brightly and could have opened the scoring earlier when Alex Oyowah released Chijioke Mbaoma with a clever pass.

Mbaoma’s first-time effort was stopped by Plateau United goalkeeper Okeimote Odah, but the rebound fell kindly to Dabai, who made no mistake from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Oyowah almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, but Odah produced two quick saves to deny the returning midfielder, who was making his return to Rivers United from Remo Stars.

Plateau United survived the sustained pressure temporarily, but Rivers United continued to control proceedings and eventually extended their advantage eight minutes after the half-hour mark.

Falolu received a pass from Ebuka Akubondu on the edge of the penalty area before showing composure to evade two defenders and place a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

The goal gave Rivers United a deserved 2-0 lead heading into the break.

The hosts almost added a third before halftime when Falolu broke down the right and sent a dangerous cross into the area, but Mbaoma narrowly missed the opportunity to convert.

Plateau United returned for the second half with greater defensive organisation, while Rivers United adopted a more controlled approach, protecting their advantage rather than taking unnecessary risks.

The visitors struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as the Pride of Rivers comfortably managed the tempo of the encounter.

Rivers United came close to extending their lead in the 85th minute when debutant Shola Oladunjoye set up fellow substitute Iyowuna Douglas.

Douglas appeared to have beaten Odah, but a Plateau United defender intervened at the last moment to clear the ball from danger.

It proved to be the final major opening of the match as Rivers United comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 2-0 victory.

The result extends Rivers United’s impressive record in NPFL home openers.

Before Sunday’s encounter, the Port Harcourt club had won each of their previous six home-opening fixtures, scoring eight goals, conceding only two and keeping four clean sheets.

Their victory over Plateau United means the Pride of Rivers have now made it seven consecutive wins in NPFL home openers, while maintaining their defensive record with another clean sheet.

The result provides Finidi George and his players with an encouraging platform as they begin their pursuit of a successful 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Rivers United FC Cruise Past Plateau United FC

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