NPFL: Rangers go top as relegation battle tightens
By Tunde Liadi Enugu Rangers impressive second stanza has been rewarded with the top of the table placement after the Flying Antelopes blitzed past El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to displace
By Tunde Liadi
Enugu Rangers impressive second stanza has been rewarded with the top of the table placement after the Flying Antelopes blitzed past El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to displace Rivers United to the second spot while Kano Pillars pushed Enyimba closer to the relegation brink with a home win as Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 31 games were played on yesterday.
At the Cathedral in Enugu, Rangers edged past El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to climb to the summit with 54 points. After a controlled first half, the Flying Antelopes sealed victory late on, with Godwin Obaje doubling their advantage in the 80th minute to cap an impressive second stanza surge.
Their rise comes at the expense of Rivers United, who drop to second on 52 points but have a crucial game in hand away to Nasarawa United today.
In Kano, Kano Pillars secured a statement 2-0 win over Enyimba, deepening the woes of the Aba giants.
Chiedozie Okorie opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing off a move orchestrated by veteran playmaker Rabiu Ali. The second goal arrived through Ahmed Musa, who converted another Ali assist to seal all three points.
The result lifts Pillars to 14th (39 points), while Enyimba slide dangerously to 16th with 36 points—just above the relegation zone.
Read Also: NFF appeals FIFA’s ruling on DR Congo eligibility dispute in World Cup playoff
Shooting Stars were beaten 1-0 in Katsina but are still fifth with 47 points. That could change with Abia Warriors facing Niger Tornadoes on Monday.
Warri Wolves and Bendel Insurance battled to a goalless draw in the South South derby. The Seasiders are 12th with 40 points while Insurance are seventh with 45 points.
Barau FC also got a goalless draw in Jos against Wikki Tourists and are now in the 11th spot with 41 points but Wikki Tourists are 17th with 36 points.
Also in Jos, Plateau United pipped Bayelsa United to move to the ninth spot with 42 points while Bayelsa United are 15th with 37 points.
Reigning champions, Remo Stars beat Kwara United 3-1 to move to the 18th spot with 36 points but the Harmony Boys slid to the 19th spot with 33 points.
NPFL Matchday 31 Results
Remo Stars 3-1 Kwara Utd
Rangers 2-0 El-Kanemi
Katsina Utd 1-0 3SC
Kano Pillars 2-0 Enyimba
Plateau Utd 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
Wolves 0-0 Insurance
Kun Khalifat 2-2 Ikorodu City
Wikki Tourists 0-0 Barau FC
