The Pride of Rivers secure top spot heading into the mid-season break with a hard-fought victory at home.
Rivers United have been crowned unofficial first-round champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season following a gritty 1-0 victory over defending champions Enugu Rangers on Sunday, December 29, 2025, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Centre-back Boluwaji David Sholumade scored the decisive goal just seven minutes into the second half with a powerful header from a set-piece, proving enough to separate the sides in a tense, physical encounter. The win, combined with results elsewhere (including a heavy defeat for closest challengers), opened up a five-point lead at the summit as the league heads into its mid-season break.
Coach Finidi George’s men dug deep against a resilient Rangers side, who pushed hard for an equalizer but couldn’t breach Rivers United’s solid defense. The result extends Rivers United’s impressive home form and cements their status as serious title contenders this season.
Match Highlights
- 16′: Aniekeme Okon nearly opens the scoring for Rivers United, but Rangers goalkeeper George Abine makes a fine save.
- 52′: GOAL! Sholumade rises highest to head home from a corner – 1-0 to the hosts.
- Late pressure from Rangers, but Rivers hold firm for a crucial clean sheet.
The NPFL now pauses for the mid-season break, with action resuming on January 7, 2026. The mid-season transfer window opens on January 1 and closes on January 30, 2026 – expect some big moves as teams strengthen for the second half.
NPFL Standings at Mid-Season Break (After Matchday 19)
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rivers United | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ~37 |
| 2 | Abia Warriors | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ~32-33 |
| 3 | Remo Stars | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 4 | Kano Pillars | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5 | Enugu Rangers | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
(Standings approximate based on latest reports; Rivers United lead by 5 points.)
Rivers United fans will be buzzing heading into the break – can the Pride of Rivers maintain this momentum and challenge for the title in the second stanza? Share your thoughts: Will they go all the way this season?
Stay with Sports Fever for all the latest NPFL news, transfer rumors, and previews when the league returns.