Rivers United began their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League home campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Remo Stars in a Matchday 21 encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
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An intelligent 80th-minute finish from Okon Aniekeme proved decisive, as the Pride of Rivers maintained their position at the summit of the NPFL standings, extending their lead to four points at the top of the table.
The hosts were dominant for long stretches of the contest and were unfortunate not to head into the break in front. Ubong Friday, Boluwaji Sholumade, Stephen Manyo, and Taofeek Otaniyi all went close in the first half as Rivers United applied sustained pressure while keeping Remo Stars largely at bay.
Rivers United returned from the interval with renewed intensity and were rewarded late on. Teenage midfielder Ochobi Elias, a product of the club’s NPFL U-17 Youth League-winning side, made an immediate impact after coming on in the 75th minute. Five minutes later, he delivered a perfectly weighted free kick into the danger area, which Aniekeme calmly converted to break the deadlock.
The goal was particularly significant for Aniekeme, who found the net against his former club for the second time this season, having also scored in the reverse fixture on Matchday One. His match-winning contribution capped a disciplined and well-organised team performance from Rivers United.
Speaking after the game, Technical Manager Finidi George expressed satisfaction with his side’s display, while acknowledging missed opportunities.
“It was a good game; we created more chances to score, but that didn’t happen. We are quite happy with the victory that came in the second half,” Finidi said.
The win not only strengthens Rivers United’s grip on the NPFL title race but also provides a timely confidence boost as the club turns its focus to continental duties.
The Pride of Rivers will resume their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday, January 24, when they travel to Ndola, Zambia, to face Power Dynamo FC in a Matchday Three fixture.
With momentum firmly on their side, Rivers United will be aiming to translate their domestic form onto the African stage.
