Rangers reclaim pole position as NPFL title race takes another twist

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took a dramatic turn this weekend as Matchday 28 saw a significant shift at both ends of the log.

While defending champions Remo Stars finally found a lifeline in their bid to distance themselves from the drop zone, Enugu Rangers capitalised on slips by Rivers United and Ikorodu City to reclaim the top spot.

In a clinical display at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as ‘The Cathedral,’ Rangers International dismantled Nasarawa United with a 2-0 victory. The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Godwin Obaje finding the net in the 18th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the cushion in the 26th. The three points propel the “Flying Antelopes” to the summit of the table with 47 points.

NPFL Title Rivals Stumble Away from Home

While Rangers soared, their primary rivals found the road much tougher. In Yenagoa, a 13th-minute own goal by Temple Emekayi proved decisive as Bayelsa United edged Rivers United 1-0. The defeat is a massive blow to the Port Harcourt side’s title ambitions, though they remain a threat with 46 points and three games in hand.

In Benin City, Bendel Insurance produced the performance of the round, ruthlessly thrashing Ikorodu City 4-0. Alex Oweilayefa was the star of the show, bagging a clinical hat-trick with goals in the 15th, 27th, and 59th minutes. Wisdom Udom added the fourth in a result that moves Insurance into sixth place with 41 points.

New Era at Remo Stars, Oluyole Warriors Hold Firm

The weekend also marked a successful start for new Technical Adviser Usman Abd’Allah at Remo Stars. The Sky Blue Stars ended an eight-game winless drought by defeating Katsina United 2-0, courtesy of a quick-fire second-half brace from Haruna Hadi in the 60th and 62nd minutes.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) maintained their momentum with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars. Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke put the home side two goals up before Mustapha Jibrin pulled one back for Pillars in the 79th minute, setting up a nervous finish that 3SC managed to navigate.

The weekend action commenced on Saturday with Kwara United securing a vital 1-0 win over newly promoted Wikki Tourists in Ilorin, thanks to Akeem Akanni’s first-half strike. Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors dented Abia Warriors’ continental hopes with a 2-0 win in Maiduguri.

The round concludes with mid-table contenders Barau FC playing host to Plateau United.

Matchday 28 Scoreboard In NPFL

Kwara United 1-0 Wikki Tourists

El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Abia Warriors

Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves

Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United

Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United

Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars

Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City

Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United

Enyimba International 1-1 Khun Khalifat FC