In a thrilling matchday 10 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, Ikorodu City FC achieved a significant victory over Rivers United, handing the latter their first defeat of the season. Played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the match started slowly with both teams unable to find the back of the net in the first half. However, the tide turned in the second half, when Ayomide Cole unleashed a powerful strike just three minutes after the restart, igniting his team’s performance. Rivio Ayemwenre quickly followed suit, scoring another goal five minutes later to double Ikorodu’s lead. Despite a determined effort from Rivers United to claw their way back into the game, Ikorodu City’s solid defensive display ensured they kept a clean sheet and secured all three points.
This victory marked Ikorodu City’s third win of the season, positioning them well in the league as they continue to build momentum. Conversely, Rivers United’s uncharacteristic loss not only marked a setback following their previous week’s draw against El Kanemi but also saw them relinquish their top spot to Remo Stars. Remo Stars had a successful outing as they managed to bounce back from their previous defeat to Heartland, defeating Lobi Stars 1-0, thanks to a goal from Michael Ibe just after halftime. This win allowed Remo Stars to reclaim the summit of the league table, highlighting the competitive nature of the league this season.
In another match on the same day, Kano Pillars produced a thrilling finish against Plateau United, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. The visitors initially took the lead through Gafar Saka in the 66th minute, but the home side responded through club legend Rabiu Ali’s expertly taken free kick just 15 minutes later. As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, veteran striker Ahmed Musa clinched the win for Kano Pillars with a precise goal in stoppage time, marking his fourth goal of the season. This result propelled Kano Pillars up the league table, pushing them to eighth place with a total of 14 points.
Amid the exciting matches, Heartland FC continued their resurgence under coach Emmanuel Amuneke, achieving their second consecutive win. Following an impressive away victory against Remo last week, Heartland maintained their good form with a 2-0 win over Abia Warriors. Their performance illustrates a turnaround in form, showcasing the effectiveness of Amuneke’s strategies. In addition, El Kanemi Warriors sustained their unbeaten streak in the league by narrowly defeating Katsina United 1-0, a result achieved through Ibrahim Mustapha’s decisive goal in the 69th minute. El Kanemi’s consistent performance sees them firmly positioned in the league standings, currently ranked fourth.
Other teams also showcased their skill and determination, with Akwa United, Enugu Rangers, Niger Tornadoes, and Bendel Insurance each achieving victories over their respective opponents including Kwara United, Nasarawa United, Shooting Stars, and Sunshine Stars. These wins highlight a competitive round of matches, emphasizing the depth of talent across the league. Meanwhile, in a closely contested fixture, Bayelsa United and Enyimba played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw, showcasing the evenly matched nature of the league this season and the unpredictability of the outcomes.
Overall, this matchday reinforced the competitive landscape of the Nigeria Premier Football League, featuring a series of unexpected outcomes and thrilling encounters. The clash between Ikorodu City and Rivers United was a standout moment, demonstrating not only Ikorodu’s potential but also the fierce competition teams face within the league. As the season progresses, each match becomes increasingly critical for teams to solidify their standings and pursue their championship ambitions, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
