NPFL: Rangers stay top as Rivers United, Enyimba claim crucial wins

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Rangers International strengthened their grip on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit with a 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors on Sunday, while Rivers United kept up the pressure with a 2-0 win over Ikorodu City.

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The results headlined an eventful Matchday 7, which also saw Enyimba record consecutive victories, Bendel Insurance hand Barau FC their first defeat of the campaign and Kwara United come from behind to beat Ranchers Bees.

Rangers, who reclaimed top spot with a midweek victory over Warri Wolves, continued their response to an earlier defeat by Ikorodu City with a commanding display in the South-East derby at the Awka Township Stadium.

Godwin Obaje opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage four minutes into the second half.

Abia Warriors reduced the deficit through an Emeka Obioma penalty in the 53rd minute, but Akorode Daniel struck in stoppage time to seal the victory for the defending champions.

The win consolidates Rangers’ position at the top as they continue to play away from their traditional Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium home in Enugu, which is undergoing renovation.

Rivers United maintain pressure

Rivers United remained within striking distance of the leaders after defeating Ikorodu City 2-0 to preserve their unbeaten start.

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Samson Olasupo put the Port Harcourt side ahead in the 19th minute, while Chinemerem Ugwueze added a second in first-half stoppage time.

The victory was a timely response to their 1-1 draw against Katsina United and kept Rivers firmly in the title conversation.

Enyimba build momentum

Enyimba followed their 4-2 victory over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win against Plateau United in Aba, recording back-to-back league victories after a difficult start to the campaign.

Ifeanyi Ihemekwele gave the nine-time champions the lead in the 29th minute before Richard Ezinna sealed the result in the 68th.

The consecutive wins offer Enyimba a platform to rebuild their campaign after early struggles with goals and consistency.

Barau suffer first defeat

Barau FC’s unbeaten run ended with a 4-1 defeat at Bendel Insurance, who responded emphatically to their previous loss to Abia Warriors.

Kayode Oke scored twice, in the 33rd and 78th minutes, before Suraju Lawal and Jonathan James added late goals.

Aliyu Sugau converted a penalty for Barau in the 82nd minute, but the newcomers could not prevent their first league defeat after six matches without a loss.

Kwara, Doma claim victories

Kwara United came from behind to beat Ranchers Bees 2-1 in Ilorin.

Jamilu Yusuf gave the visitors an early lead in the seventh minute, but Toheeb Gidado equalised five minutes after the restart before Stephen Gideon completed the turnaround in the 77th minute.

Doma United also secured a narrow victory, beating Warri Wolves 1-0 at the Pantami Stadium through Joshua Abah’s 81st-minute goal.

READ ALSO: NPFL Matchday 7: Rangers face derby test as Rivers United close in

Meanwhile, Inter Lagos and Katsina United shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Nura Abdulbari put the visitors ahead in the 34th minute before Kevwe Iyede equalised eight minutes later.

Standings

Rangers International remain top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after seven matches, with 16 points and a goal difference of +5.

Rivers are second with 15 points and the league’s best goal difference of +11, while Doma United occupy third place with 13 points.

At the other end, Shooting Stars, who have a game in hand, are 17th on seven points, followed by Warri Wolves on the same tally.

Inter Lagos and Kun Khalifat occupy the two other relegation places, with five points each after seven matches.