Niger Tornadoes suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rivers United in their rescheduled 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 6 fixture played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The tightly contested encounter was ultimately decided by a single strike, with Rivers United forward Maclyn Biokpo converting from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half. The referee had pointed to the spot after ruling that Sunday Akinmoladun handled the ball inside the box, a decision that shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.
The game began under challenging conditions as the slippery surface made ball control and possession difficult for both sides. The early stages were scrappy, with neither team able to establish rhythm.
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Tornadoes were also dealt an early blow just two minutes into play when Ahmed Family sustained a head injury in an aerial challenge. The forward was forced off, and his place was taken by Godwin John after receiving immediate medical attention.
Despite the setback, the Ikon Allah Boys matched their opponents for much of the first half, with both teams creating only a handful of half-chances. Clear opportunities were few and far between, and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
The second half, however, brought more urgency. After Biokpo’s penalty put Rivers United in front, Tornadoes poured numbers forward in search of an equalizer. They pressed relentlessly, especially in the closing stages, with Mendos and Felix Oloye coming close to finding the net. However, their efforts lacked the precision required to beat the Rivers United defense and goalkeeper.
In the end, Rivers United held firm to secure maximum points, while Tornadoes were left to rue missed chances and an early injury setback that disrupted their plans.
