NPFL: Rangers reclaim top spot as Rivers United drop points

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed a major shift at the top as Enugu Rangers International returned to the summit.

Rangers edged Enyimba 2–1 in a keenly contested Oriental derby, capitalising on Rivers United’s defeat away from home.

A massive comeback to clinch all three points in the oriental derby.

Never Say Die!⚪🔴 pic.twitter.com/3kPeL9ESoM

— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) April 19, 2026

With all NPFL Matchday 35 fixtures completed on Sunday, the results also intensified the desperate battle for survival at the bottom of the standings.

Drama at the Cathedral and Kano

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers came from behind to secure a vital victory that took them to 59 points. Wonah Williams had given Enyimba the lead shortly after the break, but Chidozie Iwundu restored parity in the 61st minute before Ifeanyi Onyebuchi struck the decisive goal seven minutes later.

There was also plenty of action in Kano, where Ahmed Musa delivered a dramatic late winner for Kano Pillars to stun Rivers United 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Abdullahi Musa appeared to have secured a point for the visitors when he struck in the 81st minute, but the hosts mounted a spirited comeback. Handsome Surveyor leveled in the 89th minute before Musa fired home deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround.

The result proved crucial in the title race, as Rivers United slipped to second place on 58 points, trailing Rangers by just one point with two rounds of matches remaining.

Top four and continental chasers

Abia Warriors strengthened their position in the top four with a 2–1 win over Ikorodu City, leaving both sides level on 55 points but separated by goal difference. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars recorded an important 2–1 away victory against El-Kanemi Warriors, with Qamar Adegoke scoring twice, including a late winner.

At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United boosted their continental hopes with a convincing 3–0 win over Warri Wolves, moving into sixth place with 53 points.

Battle to avoid the drop

In the relegation battle, defending champions Remo Stars eased the pressure on themselves with a 3–0 victory against Niger Tornadoes, climbing to 16th place on 43 points.

Kwara United also boosted their survival hopes with a 2–1 win over Barau FC, while Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. Elsewhere, Plateau United was held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat, and Bendel Insurance secured a 2–1 away win over Wikki Tourists.

At the bottom of the table, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists remain in the relegation zone. However, with two games left, survival remains mathematically within reach in the season’s final stretch.

Full Results

Wikki Tourist 1-2 Bendel Insurance

Plateau United 1-1 Kun Khalifat

El-Kanemi 1-2 3SC

Kwara United 2-1 Barau

Remo Stars 3-0 Tornadoes

Rangers 2-1 Enyimba

Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United

Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United

Nasarawa United 3-0 Warri Wolves