League leaders Rivers United reinforced their dominance in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race with a convincing 3–1 victory over Bendel Insurance in a South-South derby at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The Pride of Rivers once again showed their attacking quality, recording a second consecutive home win with a three-goal margin to maintain their position at the summit of the league table.
Despite controlling large spells of the game, Rivers United had to wait until the second half to break Bendel Insurance’s resistance after both sides went into the break locked at 0–0.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 53rd minute when Chijioke Mbaoma rose highest to power home a header from a well-taken corner delivered by Iyowuna Douglas, sending the home supporters into celebration.
Rivers United continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 81st minute through Wisdom Samuel. The forward calmly finished past the goalkeeper after another decisive assist from Douglas, highlighting the midfielder’s creative influence on the night.
Bendel Insurance managed to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute, momentarily raising hopes of a late comeback as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
However, those hopes were quickly extinguished just a minute later. Substitute Samson Obi, who had replaced Mbaoma in the 78th minute, reacted fastest inside the box to tap in a rebound after Seyi Oguntayo’s powerful strike crashed against the woodwork.
The goal restored Rivers United’s two-goal cushion and ensured the hosts comfortably saw out the contest.
The result not only secured another valuable three points for Rivers United but also served as the perfect momentum booster as the league leaders prepare for a demanding stretch of four consecutive away fixtures in their pursuit of the NPFL title.
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