NPFL: Rangers hold firm at the top as Rivers, 3SC ignite title race
Enugu Rangers tightened their grip at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings after a composed 2-0 away victory over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, as the Matchday 36
Enugu Rangers tightened their grip at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings after a composed 2-0 away victory over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, as the Matchday 36 title race and relegation battle both took dramatic turns.
The Flying Antelopes remain top of the table with 62 points, keeping their destiny firmly in their own hands, while the Prosperity Boys slipped to 20th place with 40 points, staring at relegation despite having two games remaining. Rangers' title push continues to gather momentum under Fidelis Ilechukwu, with Rivers United still breathing down their necks.
In Port Harcourt, second-placed Rivers United (61 points) delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Abia Warriors to stay within touching distance of the leaders. Goals from Wasiu Falolu (50'), Timothy Zachariah (75') and Bello Babatunde (89') sealed the emphatic victory for the Pride of Rivers, while the Umuchineke Boys dropped to fifth place on 55 points, their top-three ambitions dealt a significant blow.
Shooting Stars climbed into third position with 57 points after edging Nasarawa United 3-2 in a thrilling contest in Ibadan. A brace from Lucky Emmanuel (5', 24') and a decisive strike by Qamar Adegoke (77') ensured victory for the Oluyole Warriors, despite goals from JoFrank Istifanus (43') and Habibu Alakija (57') for the Solid Miners, who remain sixth with 53 points.
In Aba, Enyimba's resurgence continued as they defeated Remo Stars 2-1 to move up to 11th with 46 points. Stanley Dimgba (28') and Chidera Michael (49') scored for the People's Elephant, while Victor Mbaoma (21') had earlier given the Sky Blue Stars the lead. Remo Stars' defeat dragged them into the relegation zone in 18th position with 43 points.
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The biggest movers of the weekend were Warri Wolves, who climbed out of the drop zone from 17th to 12th place with 46 points after a narrow 1-0 win over Plateau United in Ozoro. Tejiri Emonena's 60th-minute strike secured all three points for the Seasiders, while the Peace Boys sit 10th with 47 points.
In Kano, Barau FC boosted their survival hopes with a resounding 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors. Sunday Anthony (35'), Henry Ezeonye (70') and Joseph Atule (75') were on target for the Kano side, lifting them to eighth place with 49 points. The defeat leaves the Borno Army in 13th with 46 points, edging closer to the danger zone.
Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Kano Pillars in Owerri. Mmesoma Nnorom (55') and a stoppage-time winner from Oghenetega Ebetomame (90+') handed victory to the Pride of Imo, who climbed to 17th with 43 points. Luis Dadong (85') had briefly equalised for the Sai Masu Gida, now 14th with 45 points and just two points above the relegation zone.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes and Kwara United shared the spoils in a pulsating 2-2 draw. Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (26', pen) and Ismail Sarki (86') scored for the Ikon Allah Boys, while Babatunde Bright (29') and Akeem Akanni (63') found the net for the Harmony Boys. Both sides remain locked on 44 points, sitting 15th and 16th respectively.
One fixture between Bendel Insurance and Katsina United was halted in the 62nd minute due to heavy rain, with the score level at 0-0. The match will resume this morning from the same point in Benin City.
Ikorodu City's clash with Wikki Tourists has been rescheduled for Tuesday due to the Lagos FA Cup final held on Saturday.
NPFL: WEEK 36 RESULTS
Barau 3-0 El-Kanemi
Tornadoes 2-2 Kwara United
Enyimba 2-1 Remo Stars
Bayelsa United 0-2 Rangers
Rivers United 3-0 Abia Warriors
Kun Khalifat 2-1 Kano Pillars
Wolves 1-0 Plateau United
3SC 3-2 Nasarawa United
Insurance 0–0 Katsina United *(Abandoned; to be resumed)*
