Rivers Utd Emerge NPFL New Champions As Plateau Utd Fall To Akwa Utd In Uyo

Rivers United of Portharcourt have emerged new champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL , with the remaining four matches to spare in the country's top-flight league 

The Stanley Eguma tutored side with 10points clear ahead of the closest rivals, Plateau United of Jos who lost out in the chase for the league title after their narrow 2-1 loss to homeside, Akwa United in Uyo on Saturday

Ezekiel's late minutes winner for the defending champions, ensured that the Pride of Rivers clinched the Nigeria's elite league title with 71points, ahead of their week 35 encounter on the road to Nasarawa United in Lafia 

Akwa United took the lead through Onovo's strike within ten minutes of the match before Jesse drew level for the visitors, Plateau United in the 53rd minute while Ezekiel grabbed the winner in the 93rd minute, to move the Uyo based side to the seventh position with 51points 

In other match played over the weekend, Kwara United's race for a continental ticket suffered a serious setback, following a 4-0 humiliating defeat in the hands of homeside, Niger Tornadoes in Minna 

Third placed Remo Stars of Ikenne-Remo currently with 53points, will be seeking a vital win or point on the road against relegation threatened Katsina United to consolidate on their position on the table for a place in the next season Africa's Clubs Competition

Enugu Rangers currently in the fourth position with 52points will be confronting host, Kano Pillars for a crucial points, to rekindle their hope for a continental ticket, come next season

Former champions, Enyimba International of Aba now in the sixth position with 51 points will be taking advantage of playing at home, this Sunday against relegation threatened Heartland of Owerri, to also fight for a place in the continental championship