In-form Enugu Rangers Take Top Spot In NPFL

Enugu Rangers claimed the top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League after defeating Heartland 2-1.
Lobi Stars slipped to second place following a 1-1 draw.
Plateau United suffered a setback in their title pursuit with a 2-1 loss to Akwa United.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Enugu Rangers, the seven-time champions, have climbed to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings following their 2-1 victory over struggling Heartland in the oriental derby on match-day 27 in Aba this Sunday.

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Defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi opened the scoring for Rangers in the first half, with Kalu Nweke extending their lead in the second half, before the hosts narrowed the margin, concluding the match at 2-1.

Under the guidance of Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers have excelled in their last 10 matches, suffering only one defeat and maintaining an unbeaten streak of nine consecutive games. Additionally, they have secured victories in three out of their last four away fixtures.

Lobi Stars relinquished their position at the top of the table following a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United in Lafia. Despite Sunday Chinedu putting Lobi in the lead in the 61st minute, Kehinde Lawal’s equalizer for the visitors resulted in a draw, as they strive to avoid relegation.

Plateau United’s pursuit of the title faced a setback in Jos as they were defeated 2-1 at home by relegation-threatened Akwa United at the New Jos Stadium.

Despite taking an early lead with Gerome Heutchou’s goal, Akwa United secured the win with a 90th-minute penalty converted by Suleiman Sani. Plateau United’s only goal of the match came from Sunday Anthony’s penalty in between the goals scored by the visitors.

The shake up in the top four continued with a 2-1 defeat of champions Enyimba by Kwara United in Ilorin, where the People’s Elephant assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju was sent off.

The keenly contested match halftime ended with a 1-1 scoreline, as Ikenna Cooper equalized for Enyimba following Emmanuel Ogbole’s early goal for Kwara within the opening 10 minutes. However, Ogbole secured his brace and the match-winning goal for Kwara just five minutes into the second half.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United’s Andrew Idoko and Azeez Falolu, who notched his third goal of the season, found the back of the net as the Chanji Boys overturned a deficit to triumph 2-1 over Abia Warriors.

Enugu Rangers now hold a one point lead at the top of the table with 48 points after 27 matches and they are followed by Lobi in second with 47 points.

Heartland (23), Gombe United (24), Niger Tornadoes (30) and Bayelsa United (31) are in the bottom four but Kwara United with 32 points are just one point away from safety after their win on Sunday.