NPFL: Rivers United fall at Bendel, so can Rangers take the lead?

Rivers United lost 2-1 at Bendel Insurance in Benin City, leaving the NPFL's top three level on 17 points with Rangers International holding two games in hand.

Jonathan James scored the winner for Bendel in the 89th minute. Freeman Wuchirwe had opened the scoring in the 48th, and Chijioke Mbaoma equalised for Rivers in the 73rd. Soccernet previewed the game in its Bendel v Rivers piece.

The weekend's other results

Nasarawa United beat Enyimba 1-0 through Jofrank Istifanus in the 23rd minute. Niger Tornadoes won 1-0 against Abia Warriors in Aba, Wasiu Jimoh scoring in the 56th.

Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars drew 2-2, with Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian scoring for Shooting Stars and Donald Obiajulu getting both for Ikorodu. Barau FC drew 1-1 with Kwara United, and Wolves and Kano Pillars drew 0-0. Kun Khalifat beat Inter Lagos 1-0.

The table, per Premium Times

On Premium Times' table, Rivers United stay first on 17 points with a goal difference of +10. Rangers International are second on 17 with +5, and Nasarawa United third on 17 with +3. Plateau United are fourth on 15.

At the bottom, Abia Warriors are 17th on 10 points, Ranchers Bees 18th on 8 and Enyimba 19th on 8. Inter Lagos are 20th on 2 points after a three-point deduction.

Analysis: Rangers can move clear if they win their games in hand

Rivers keep top spot only on goal difference. Rangers have two games in hand, so two wins would take them to 23 points, six clear of Rivers' current total. Soccernet explained why Rangers had the edge in its Matchday 9 analysis.

Enyimba, on 8 points in 19th, now sit in the bottom three after the loss at Nasarawa.

Rivers United host Rangers International at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday 1 November.