NPFL: Rangers hit NPFL again as Shooting Stars, Insurance win away
The Nigeria Premier Football League title race intensified on Matchday 35, with Rangers International returning to the summit on 59 points after a crucial derby win, while Rivers United slipped
The Nigeria Premier Football League title race intensified on Matchday 35, with Rangers International returning to the summit on 59 points after a crucial derby win, while Rivers United slipped to second with 58 points following defeat in Kano among other games played yesterday.
In Enugu, Rangers edged Enyimba 2-1 in the Oriental Derby. Chidozie Iwundu (61’) and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (68’) overturned Wonah Williams’ 49th-minute opener, sealing top spot. Enyimba remain 13th with 43 points.
Kano Pillars stunned Rivers United 2-1. Abdullahi Musa (81’) and Ahmed Musa (90+’) struck late to cancel out Handsome Surveyor’s 89th-minute goal. Pillars are 12th with 45 points, while Rivers dropped to second.
Shooting Stars boosted their continental push with a 2-1 win at El Kanemi Warriors. Qamar Adegoke scored twice (46’, 86’) after John Zakka’s 25th -minute opener. 3SC moved to fifth with 54 points, one behind third-placed Ikorodu City (55), who lost 2-1 to Abia Warriors. El Kanemi slipped to 11th with 46 points.
Abia Warriors’ 2-1 win over Ikorodu City lifted them to fourth (55 points, behind on goal difference). Paul Samson (20’) and Valentine Ugwu (45’) scored, while Aderemi Adeoye (35’) replied.
Bendel Insurance earned a 2-1 away win over Wikki Tourists to stay seventh on 52 points, now three points off third place. Wikki remain bottom with 40 points.
Nasarawa United ended a poor run with a 3-0 win over Warri Wolves. Victor Chimezie (43’ pen), Ngei Oluka-Efor (61’) and Habibu Alakija (74’) secured victory. Nasarawa are sixth with 53 points; Wolves dropped to 17th with 43.
Read Also: Abdullahi blasts NFF, NSC over IMC as supporters’ unification is stalled
Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Uche Collins netted twice to take his season tally to 12, lifting Katsina to eighth with 49 points, six points clear of danger.
Plateau United were held 1-1 at home by Kun Khalifat. Alao Danbani (41’) cancelled Mmesoma Nnorom’s early goal (7’). Plateau are ninth with 47 points, while Kun Khalifat climbed to 18th with 40 points.
Remo Stars eased relegation fears with a 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes. Victor Mbaoma (10’), Olamilekan Adedayo (45+1’) and Samuel Anakwe (78’) scored. Remo are 16th with 43 points, same as Tornadoes in 14th .
Kwara United also boosted survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Barau FC. Toheeb Gidado (15’) and Saheed Olaniyi (45’ pen) struck before Joseph Atule (66’) replied. Kwara moved to 15th with 43 points, just above the drop zone on goal difference.
NPFL: Matchday 35 Results
Plateau United 1-1 Kun Khalifat FC
Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United
Nasarawa United 3-0 Warri Wolves
Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United
Kwara United 2-1 Barau FC
El Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Shooting Stars
Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City
Rangers International 2-1 Enyimba FC
Wikki Tourists 1-2 Insurance
