Rivers United begin “points mop up” with draw at Kwara United

Rivers United began the much-awaited “points mop up” in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Kwara United in yesterday’s rescheduled week 22 match at the Ilorin Township Stadium. The phrase “points mop up” is a colloquial term used to describe a team’s aggressive pursuit of maximum points from […]

Rivers United began the much-awaited “points mop up” in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Kwara United in yesterday’s rescheduled week 22 match at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

The phrase “points mop up” is a colloquial term used to describe a team’s aggressive pursuit of maximum points from their outstanding fixtures and Rivers United who were involved in the CAF Champions League had five of their matches rescheduled by the league board.

After yesterday’s clash with Kwara United, Rivers United still have four more outstanding matches to play against Barau FC in Port-Harcourt on Wednesday, February 26; another home match with El-Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday, March 4; 3SC on Thursday, March 12 in Abeokuta and Niger Tornadoes on Thursday, March 19, at the Lafia City Stadium.

To start the “points mop up,” Rivers United had to fight back for their ninth draw of the season. Although Samsudeen Mohammed gave Kwara United the lead in the 32nd minute, the “pride of Rivers” fought gallantly and were rewarded with the much needed equaliser when David Sholumade drew them level in the third minute of second half added time.

Sadly, another unfortunate incident of fans’ hooliganism was witnessed as irate fans believed to be supporters of Kwara United attacked match officials, and held Rivers United players and officials hostage after the late equaliser.

However, with the crucial away point, Rivers United maintained their third position on the table with 42 points from 22 matches, two less than table toppers Ikorodu City.

Therefore, the “pride of Rivers” with a possible 12 points to pick from four outstanding matches, are mathematically leading the table, bringing to mind the scenario that unfolds each time they play in the continent.

 

Rivers United as major beneficiary of accumulated fixtures 

This is not the first time Rivers United are poised to benefit from accumulated fixtures. It is an open secret that anytime the big clubs in the league participate in CAF inter-club competitions, they enjoy this privilege which is perceived in most quarters as a cog in the wheel of fair play.

It is on record that in April 2024, the NPFL actually had to pause the entire league after Matchday 32 just to allow Rivers United to catch up. At that point, they had a massive backlog due to their run in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Even during their title-winning 2022 season, they dealt with significant rescheduling. However, they handled the congestion better that year, eventually breaking the league record with 77 points.

In this instance, the momentum from continental games arguably “benefited” their domestic form, as they stayed match-fit and sharp.

Historically, Rivers United “benefit” most when they exit continental competitions early, allowing them to focus solely on the domestic sprint with a deep squad that has already been tested against Africa’s best.

 

Accumulated fixtures as double-edged sword

Of course, in the NPFL, the pendulum of success usually swings towards any club that returns from continental engagements to execute its outstanding matches, but even as it sounds like an advantage, “mop up” is dreaded by players. This is because they are usually exposed to extreme fatigue, travel stress, and unavoidable pressure.

In the current “mop up,” Rivers United’s players are going to play a match roughly every three to four days, February 18 to Thursday, March 19.

This will no doubt exert enormous pressure on the team, but the advantage is huge and tempting. Moreover, in the NPFL mythology, there is a cynical belief that a team with a massive backlog is “destined” to win most of them through whatever means necessary to ensure they return to continental football the following year.