Rivers United emerge 2021/22 NPFL season champions

Rivers United have won the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season with four games to spare with 71 points.

The Port Harcourt-based club clinched their maiden title Saturday after their closest challenger, Plateau United lost 2-1 to Akwa United at the Nest of Champions Saturday.

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Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes Saturday secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Kwara United in a crunch North Central derby during the Match Day 35 fixture of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna Saturday.

The clash began well for the Ikon Allah Boys in the second minute with an own goal from Isa Gara who beat his keeper Dele Aiyenugba. Fifteen minutes later, Jonas Emmanuel doubled the lead as the first half ended 2-0.

At the restart in the 51st minute, Shamsudeen Hashim further inflicted more woes on their visitors to lead 3-0 and three minutes later, the whitewash was complete when Hashim scored his brace after an assist from Jonas Emmanuel.

In the second game of the day, former champions Akwa United have halted the title dreams of Plateau United with a deserving 2-1 victory at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.

The game which was watched by Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, had David Onovo opening the scoring for the home side in the 12th minute before Akila Jesse levelled up the scoreline in the 52nd minute.

With the game looking to end in a draw, Leo Ezekiel’s late minute strike for Coach Deji Ayeni side, dashed Plateau United title hope this season, as the game ended 2-1. Plateau United have now lost all their last seven games away this season.

Meanwhile, action continues today as newly crowned champions, Rivers United visit Nasarawa United while Enyimba hosts fumbling Heartland.

Katsina United will seek to move out of the relegation zone when they host third placed Remo Stars while Wikki Tourists will be guests of Gombe United.

Troubled Kano Pillars who have been charged for breaching the NPFL22 Framework & Rules during the course of the match vs Dakkada on June 23, 2022 have a herculean task to avoid dropping down into relegation as Enugu Rangers come visiting just as MFM who are closer to being relegated than staying in top flight football tackle Sunshine Stars in Akure.

A loss for Abia Warriors will push them down to the relegation zone when they go against Shooting Stars in Ibadan while Lobi Stars will continue their recent resurgence as they bid to condemn Dakkada FC in the hot zone.