NPFL: Enugu Rangers displace Rivers United to claim two-point lead at the summit

Matchday 31 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has concluded with Enugu Rangers (Rangers International) displacing Rivers United at the summit of the league table, establishing a two-point lead.

​The matchday kicked off on Saturday with a goalless draw between relegation-threatened Wikki Tourists and Barau FC.

Sunday’s Fixtures

​Rangers defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches, temporarily moving to the top of the table ahead of Rivers United’s clash with Nasarawa United. Daniel Itodo gave Rangers the lead in the 30th minute before Godwin Obaje sealed the win with a second goal in the 80th minute.

​Meanwhile, in Ikenne, defending champions Remo Stars boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 3-1 victory over Kwara United in a tense encounter. The visitors took the lead in the 34th minute through Ibrahim Yahaya, but the hosts responded swiftly as Ahmed Akinyele equalized four minutes later. Remo Stars seized control in the second half with two quick goals: Haruna Hadi struck in the 70th minute before Victor Mbaoma added a third three minutes later to seal the comeback.

​Elsewhere, Ikorodu City were held to a 2-2 draw by Kun Khalifat after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer. At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1, with Suraju Lawal and Casmir Azubuike on target for the hosts. Additionally, Kano Pillars secured a vital 2-0 win over Enyimba to move further clear of the relegation zone.

A comeback win over Kwara Utd!

📺Watch the actions here: https://t.co/ZATefL0Jl4#REMKWA ~ #NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/TJdtWCAYMM

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) March 23, 2026

​Decisive Monday match

​On Monday, Rivers United had the chance to reclaim top spot against third-place Nasarawa United but suffered a major blow to their title bid, falling to a 4-1 defeat in Lafia.

The hosts scored twice in the opening five minutes through Ngei Oluka-Efor and Abubakar Abdullahi. Chimezie Victor added a third in the 15th minute. While Taiwo Abdulrafiu reduced the deficit for Rivers United nine minutes later, JoFrank Istifanus netted a fourth for Nasarawa United in the 58th minute to end the contest.

NPFL Table

THE LOG.

How things stand after Match day 31.#NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/OJ20CUXAF8

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) March 23, 2026

Full Matchday 31 Results

Wikki Tourist 0-0 Barau FC

Kano Pillars 2-0 Enyimba

Plateau United 1-0 Bayelsa United

Katsina United 1-0 Shooting Stars (3SC)

Kun Khalifat FC 2-2 Ikorodu City

Enugu Rangers 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Remo Stars 3-1 Kwara United

Warri Wolves 0-0 Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors 2-1Niger Tornadoes

Nasarawa United 4-1 Rivers United