Rangers reclaim top spot as NPFL title race intensifies
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn during Matchday 33 as Rangers International reclaimed the summit despite a stalemate in Enugu, while Rivers United faltered
- By Tunde Liadi
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn during Matchday 33 as Rangers International reclaimed the summit despite a stalemate in Enugu, while Rivers United faltered in a high-stakes South-South derby.
Rangers returned to the top of the table following a goalless draw against Barau FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Although the "Flying Antelopes" missed the opportunity to establish a clear lead, the point was sufficient to move them to 55 points, overtaking Rivers United on goal difference. Rivers United saw their momentum halted in a 2–0 defeat to Warri Wolves. The "Seasiders" took the lead in the 12th minute through an Igbunu Evwierhurhoma penalty before Othuke Egbo clinical finish in the 90th minute secured the points. The win propels Warri Wolves to 9th place with 43 points, while Rivers United remain second, level on points with Rangers.
In the weekend's most emotional fixture, bottom-club Kun Khalifat stunned Nasarawa United with a 1–0 away victory. Playing just days after the passing of Team Manager Chijioke Ekpemadu, the visitors secured the win via a 95th -minute strike from Stanley Otu.
Despite the upset, Nasarawa United hold onto 4th place with 50 points, though their position is under immediate threat from Abia Warriors. Kun Khalifat remain 20th but move to 36 points, keeping their slim survival hopes alive.
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In the South-West derby, Samuel Anakwe’s 49th -minute goal secured a vital win for Remo Stars against Shooting Stars. The victory lifts them to 17th (40 points) in their fight against the drop, while Shooting Stars remain 5th with 50 points.
Enyimba snatched a point in the 97th minute through Onyebuchi Nwaorisa against Wikki Tourists. Wikki Tourists, who finished with 10 men, remain in the relegation zone (19th ) with 37 points.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars delivered the performance of the round, thrashing Insurance 4-0 to move to 14th place (42 points). Goals from Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu, and Bernard Ovoke punished the leaderless visitors.
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In the meantime, Kwara United kept their survival bid on track with a dominant 3–0 win over El Kanemi Warriors in Lagos, moving to 39 points. Meanwhile, Katsina United edged Niger Tornadoes 1–0 to climb into the top half of the table, sitting 8th with 46 points.
Matchday 33 concludes today with two crucial encounters as Abia Warriors host Bayelsa United while Plateau United face Ikorodu City at their adopted home in Lafia due to security concerns in Jos, this match remains pivotal for the mid-table standings.
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NPFL: Matchday 34 Results
Rangers I 0–0 Barau FC
Warri Wolves 2–0 Rivers United
Nasarawa United 0–1 Kun Khalifat
Wikki Tourists 2–2 Enyimba
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Kano Pillars 4–0 Insurance
Remo Stars 1–0 Shooting Stars
Katsina United 1–0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United 3–0 El Kanemi
