The Digest:
Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has admitted the team is paying the price for their CAF Champions League involvement after a 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Thursday's NPFL matchday 26 fixture. Terdoo Shimagande's 67th-minute goal handed the hosts victory, leaving Rivers United with a slender one-point lead atop the NPFL table (52 points) over Enugu Rangers (51). Olanrewaju blamed fixture congestion from continental competition, noting every team is fighting for something: Tornadoes against relegation, Rivers United for the title.
Key Points:
- Rivers United's continental campaign has created a fixture backlog, affecting domestic form.
- The Pride of Rivers now holds just a one-point lead with four matches remaining.
- Niger Tornadoes climbed to ninth, escaping the relegation zone with the crucial win.
- Ikorodu City (48 points) also chases continental qualification, adding pressure.
- Coach insists title race remains open despite the setback.
Rivers United must quickly refocus as they travel to face Nasarawa United on Wednesday, with the NPFL title race tightening.
Sources: Complete Sports, NPFL, Rivers United FC
