NPFL Reschedules Rivers United vs Kun Khalifat Clash as Fixture Congestion Persists

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a new date for the Matchday 12 fixture between Rivers United and Kun Khalifat FC, following schedule adjustments involving the Pride of Rivers’ pending match against Bendel Insurance.

Originally slated for Sunday, November 9, the encounter will now hold on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

According to Kun Khalifat’s General Manager, Charles Nnadi, the change came at the request of Rivers United, whose Matchday 9 tie against Bendel Insurance was rescheduled to take place on Thursday in Benin City.

“Our Matchday 12 game against Rivers United, earlier scheduled for Sunday, 9 November 2025, has been moved to Monday, 10 November 2025,” Nnadi confirmed.
“The shift in date is at the instance of Rivers United, who wrote to the NPFL seeking a slight change due to their rescheduled fixture against Bendel Insurance. The request was graciously granted by the league organisers.”

💭 Opinion: Fixture Congestion — A Growing Challenge in the NPFL

While the NPFL’s decision to reschedule the fixture shows flexibility, it also highlights a growing concern within Nigerian football — fixture congestion. For a team like Rivers United, juggling multiple rescheduled matches could affect player fitness, morale, and tactical rhythm.

With the Pride of Rivers already managing a packed calendar due to continental and domestic commitments, quick turnarounds between games might make consistency harder to achieve.

However, the rescheduling could also work in Rivers United’s favor. Playing Kun Khalifat a day later allows them extra recovery time after what is expected to be a tough outing against Bendel Insurance.

For the NPFL, though, this situation raises questions about long-term planning and calendar management. The league’s progress depends not just on competitive quality but also on efficient scheduling that allows teams to perform optimally without fatigue or disruption.

As Rivers United prepare for both crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on how they handle the tight schedule — and whether Finidi George’s men can turn this test of endurance into a statement of strength. ⚽🔥