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NPFL: Rangers, Enyimba Set for Title Decider As Sporting Lagos And Bayelsa Utd Fight For Relegation Survival
The upcoming clash between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba holds immense significance in the Nigeria Premier Football League title race. While Sporting Lagos fights relegation safety.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Enugu Rangers, the current leaders, will face off against second-placed Enyimba in what promises to be an electrifying Oriental Derby and a possible title decider.
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The focus today shifts to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as the race for the 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League title intensifies.
With only two points setting them apart on the standings, the match-day 35 clash carries immense weight in determining the league victor.
It’s not just a showdown between the two giants; third-placed Remo Stars, trailing by goal difference, will also be closely monitoring the outcome as they take on Lobi Stars in Lafia.
Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, boasting a combined total of 16 titles (seven for Rangers and nine for Enyimba).
Hence, the two teams stand as the league’s most successful clubs in history.
Rangers vs Enyimba during their last encounter
This season’s triumph will mark a significant milestone for either team. Defending champions Enyimba aim to secure an unprecedented 10th title.
While Rangers seek to clinch their eighth, marking their first championship since 2016.
In the previous encounter in Aba, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Enugu Rangers impressively showcasing their prowess.
Kareem Ogunleye’s remarkable goal leveled the score after Chijioke Mbaoma’s opener for Enyimba.
Spearheading the charge for the Flying Antelopes is Fidelis Ilechkwu, a seasoned manager.
Who has previously achieved second-place finishes in the league with MFM and Plateau United.
Despite his nickname “the working one,” Fidelis Ilechkwu has remained modest about Enugu Rangers’ chances of league success.
Despite not being in control during previous attempts, he has consistently downplayed their title ambitions whenever discussing the race for the championship.
Maintaining a two-point lead, Ilechukwu understands the significance of securing a victory against the reigning champions.
“Enyimba cannot beat us on Sunday, and they understand that they can’t beat Rangers,” Ilechukwu said.
“Rangers are prepared, Rangers are too good defensively, Rangers have the quality, capacity, and all it takes to beat Enyimba.
“And we will work hard because Enyimba have the pedigree to win the league.
“We will work hard on Sunday to make sure we make this thing happen.”
While Enyimba’s current manager, Yemi Olanrewaju, may not boast the same pedigree as Ilechukwu, having served as an assistant to Finidi George.
However, he is aiming to use this game as a turning point to assert control over the title race.
“He is a great guy I have a lot of respect for, and nothing will change no matter the results in Enugu,” Olanrewaju said about Ilechukwu.
“But everyone has to defend his club and try to get the job done.”
The match starts at 5 p.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and will be televised live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244.
It comes after the live coverage of the Lobi Stars versus Remo Stars match in Lafia.
In the fight for survival, teams in the relegation zone face off against each other.
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Also in Akure, 15th-placed Sunshine Stars will host Akwa United, who are just above them in the standings with an equal number of points.
Meanwhile, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Sporting Lagos, positioned 18th and 17th respectively, will compete against each other.
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