Nigeria, Oct. 26 -- Rivers United suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Despite the setback, the Port Harcourt club retained top spot with 17 points and a goal difference of +10 after 10 matchdays. Rangers International and Nasarawa United are also on 17 points, in second and third, with goal differences of +5 and +3, respectively. Rangers, however, have two games in hand due to continental commitments.

Plateau United sit fourth with 15 points, keeping the race for the top positions closely contested.

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Freeman Wuchirwe opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance in the 4...