Written by Rahmon OluwoNigeria sports betting writer
Published 23 October 2026
Rivers United and Rangers International are level on 17 points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League, with Rivers having played one more game.
Rivers are unbeaten after nine matches, with a goal difference of +11. Rangers have played eight, with a goal difference of +5.
Rangers’ game in hand exists because their matchday 9 fixture against Bendel Insurance was postponed for their CAF Champions League tie with MC Alger. Rangers won last season’s NPFL title and Rivers finished second, so this is the same rivalry again.
Rangers in Algiers tonight
Rangers won the first leg 2-0 in Abeokuta, with goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo. The return leg is tonight in Algiers, and CAF has rejected Rangers’ request to play it behind closed doors.
Their league match at Sporting Lagos has been postponed. The fixture list is still crowded. Rangers have played eight league games, and the postponed matches against Bendel Insurance and Sporting Lagos are still to be played. If they reach the Champions League group stage, more continental dates will follow.
Rivers United still unbeaten
Rivers’ goalless draw with Barau was suspended after 75 minutes because of heavy rain and completed later. Next, they visit Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday 25 October.
Sporting Lagos third with a game to play
Sporting Lagos are third on 15 points. They came from behind to beat Plateau United 3-2 in Jos. Their match with Rangers has been postponed, so they stay on 15 for now. Any 14-point club that wins this weekend can overtake them.
The chasing pack
Plateau United, Barau, Nasarawa United, Kano Pillars and Doma United are all on 14 points. That puts six clubs within three points of the top. Kano Pillars have just beaten Katsina United 1-0. Plateau visit Katsina United next, while Nasarawa United, who beat Inter Lagos 2-0, face Enyimba.
