Rangers retain NPFL lead after victory over Abia Warriors

Rangers International strengthened their position at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors on Sunday, maintaining the lead after seven matches. Godwin Obaje opened the scoring for the defending champions in the 37th minute at Awka Township Stadium. Chidiebere Nwobodo made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half before Abia Warriors reduced the deficit through Emeka Obioma’s penalty in the 53rd minute.

Akorode Daniel restored Rangers’ two-goal advantage in stoppage time. The victory followed a midweek win over Warri Wolves and continued the club’s response after an earlier defeat by Ikorodu City. Rangers are playing their home matches away from Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, which is undergoing renovation.

They now have 16 points and a plus-five goal difference. Rivers United remained second after defeating Ikorodu City 2-0. Samson Olasupo scored in the 19th minute and Chinemerem Ugwueze added a second in first-half stoppage time.

The result preserved Rivers’ unbeaten start and gave them 15 points, while their goal difference of plus 11 is the best in the league. Enyimba recorded back-to-back wins by beating Plateau United 2-0 in Aba. Ifeanyi Ihemekwele put the nine-time champions ahead in the 29th minute, and Richard Ezinna completed the scoring in the 68th minute after Enyimba’s previous 4-2 victory over Shooting Stars.

Bendel Insurance ended Barau FC’s unbeaten run with a 4-1 win. Kayode Oke scored twice, while Suraju Lawal and Jonathan James also found the net. Aliyu Sugau converted Barau’s penalty, but the newcomers suffered their first defeat after six matches without a loss.

Elsewhere, Kwara United beat Ranchers Bees 2-1 after coming from behind, Doma United defeated Warri Wolves 1-0, and Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Katsina United. Doma are third with 13 points, while Inter Lagos and Kun Khalifat occupy the relegation places on five points each.