News

NPFL Match-day Results: Drama In Enugu As Rangers, Enyimba Match Abandoned After Pitch Invasion

The NPFL match between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba was abandoned due to fans invasion after a controversial penalty call, leaving the title race intensely contested.

Eko Hot Blog reports that there was drama in Enugu on Sunday during the highly-anticipated Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 35 game between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba.

Editor’s Pick

The game was abandoned deep into stoppage time due to a fan invasion.

With the game still goalless in added time, center referee John Ojeleye awarded a penalty to the home side.

This prompted the away fans to invade the pitch in protest, leading to the game’s abandonment.

Broadcast live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244, the match lived up to its pre-match hype as fans packed the Cathedral for the potential title decider.

Much like the reverse fixture in Aba, which ended in a draw, both teams struggled to break through each other’s defenses until the drama unfolded.

Rangers vs Enyimba players in aerial duel 

As a result, the title race remains unchanged, with Rangers still leading with 62 points and Enyimba following closely with 60 points.

The outcome could be potentially detrimental for either team, contingent upon the league board’s decision.

And their performance in the final three rounds of matches.

In an earlier match, third-placed Remo Stars faced another setback in the title race.

As they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Lobi Stars in Lafia, leaving them trailing leaders Enugu Rangers by three points.

The relegation battles continue to be just as intense as the title race.

With thrilling results emerging from the dogfights among the teams fighting to avoid demotion.

In Yenagoa, Jonathan Alukwu netted a second-half brace for Sporting Lagos.

But Abdullahi Biffo’s squad was held to a 2-2 draw by Bayelsa United.

Bassey John also scored twice for the hosts, leaving both teams’ survival prospects uncertain.

Bayelsa United finds themselves within the relegation zone with 43 points.

Sunshine Stars secure a victory

While Sporting Lagos sits just above them in the standings with the same points tally.

Goals from Lucky Nwafor and Yusuf Ibrahim propelled Sunshine Stars out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory over Akwa United in Akure.

This result sees the Promise Keepers positioned two places above the dreaded zone, yet tied with 43 points.

Despite playing with 10 men, Heartland secured a 3-1 victory over Doma United in Owerri.

Further Reading

However, this win wasn’t adequate to lift the Owerri side from their 19th position in the standings.

But it left Doma firmly rooted in the relegation zone with 43 points as well.

Click here to watch our video of the week

Stephen Abulogbon

Share
Published by
Stephen Abulogbon

Recent Posts

Apostle Suleman Blames Nigerians for Economic Hardships Under Tinubu

Apostle Suleman blames Nigerians’ electoral choices for the country’s economic hardships. He criticized President Tinubu…

32 minutes ago

Animator Sues Disney for $10 Billion Over Alleged Moana 2 Copyright Theft

Animator Bucky Woodall is suing Disney for $10 billion, claiming Moana copied his screenplay. Woodall…

2 hours ago

Wike Revokes FCT Lands of Governors, Lawmakers, and 565 Others

Wike revoked FCT lands of Governors Uzodimma, Diri, and Speaker Abbas. Says 568 allottees failed…

2 hours ago