Rivers United head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has commended his players for their commitment and resilience after the Pride of Rivers ended the first half of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the top of the table.
Rivers United secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Rangers International on Sunday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, to conclude Matchday 19. Boluwaji Sholumade scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute, heading home from a Ubong Friday assist.
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The win leaves Rivers United on 37 points from 19 matches, having recorded 10 victories, seven draws and just two defeats.
The Port Harcourt-based side head into the mid-season break with a four-point lead over second-placed Nasarawa United.
Speaking after the encounter, Olanrewaju, who is standing in for head coach Finidi George, admitted the congested fixture schedule took a toll on the squad, particularly in December, but praised the players for rising to the challenge.
“I think the boys need a break. Everybody needs a break because everyone is exhausted,” Olanrewaju said. “People don’t really understand what we’ve been through this season.
“From December 3 to today, December 28, we played nine matches in just 24 days. That’s a lot, and it’s not easy. Honestly, it’s been crazy, but we managed to cope with it.”
“The players showed character and gave their best in every game. To lose just one match in that period says a lot about their mentality.”
Olanrewaju also highlighted the challenges ahead in the second stanza of the season, with Rivers United expected to compete on multiple fronts.
“The second round will be tough. We are still in the league race and also pushing on the continental front, so the games will keep coming. It’s important that the players enjoy this break, recover properly, and come back stronger for the rest of the season,” he added.
Rivers United will resume the NPFL campaign in the new year as they look to maintain their lead and push for the league title.
