The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) recorded its first victory in the 16th Ships & Ports Maritime Cup 2026 with a 3-1 victory over Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) on Friday.
The Group B encounter, the first meeting between both sides in this year’s competition, was played at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos, where NIWA demonstrated their attacking quality and tactical discipline to secure all three points.
NIWA wasted little time asserting their authority, taking the lead just seven minutes into the match through their No. 15, Tijani Umar, who found the back of the net to give the Lokoja-based side an early advantage.
Umar struck again in the 21st minute, capitalising on ABTL’s defensive lapses to double NIWA’s lead and put the defending champions firmly in control of the encounter.
ABTL, however, refused to surrender without a fight, pulling a goal back in the 56th minute through their leading striker, Nanaperi Thompson, to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and inject fresh intensity into the contest.
But NIWA quickly reasserted their dominance, with Umar completing a hat-trick in the 68th minute to restore the two-goal cushion and seal an emphatic 3-1 victory for his side.
Attention now shifts to Monday’s fixtures, which promise another exciting round of action in the competition. The opening match will see 2024 champions Comet Shipping Agency take on the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) in a Group A encounter scheduled for 10 am.
The second fixture will feature three-time champions Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) against NIWA in an eagerly anticipated Group B clash.
Both matches will be played at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos.
Further information on fixtures, match results and group standings is available on the tournament’s official website, www.maritimecup.com
