RIVERS United have clinched this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League title despite not playing today.
The Port Harcourt side were declared champions after Plateau United’s 2-1 defeat to Akwa United in Uyo today.
With the result, Rivers United’s 10-point gap over second-placed Plateau United became unassailable, with the latter having only three matches left to play.
Rivers, who still have four matches left, have 71 points from 34 games, while Plateau United have 61 points from 35 games of the 38-game campaign.
Third-placed Remo Stars have 53 points, with Rangers in fourth place with 52 points.
Plateau United had looked to be escaping with a draw in Uyo today until Akwa United struck in second-half added time to hand the title to Rivers United.
David Onovo drew first blood for hosts Akwa United in the 12th minute but Jesse Akila equalised for the visitors eight minutes into the second half.
Plateau United would have held off Rivers United’s celebrations until tomorrow if the match had ended 1-1, but Leo Ezekiel scored one minute into injury time to make the Pride of Rivers champions.
It is Rivers United’s first NPFL title since the club was formed in 2016 through a merger of Sharks and Dolphins, both based in Port Harcourt and owned by the Rivers State government.
In another NPFL clash today, Niger Tornadoes rose to 13th spot after spanking fifth-placed Kwara United 4-0.
