NPFL Round-up: Rangers Back On Top, 3SC Fall, Ikorodu United Relegated


Enugu Rangers reclaimed the leadership position in the Nigeria Professional Football League following a 2-0 win against Sunshine Stars at the ‘Cathderal’ Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday.


Imama Amapakabo’s men now top the standings with 57 points, one more than second-placed Rivers United who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. The Enugu side are getting closer to breaking their 32- year title drought with two games remaining before the end of the campaign.
The Coal City outfit went ahead eight minutes before the break when Bobby Clement scrambled the ball home.
The visitors were presented with an opportunity to even scores three minutes later when Kalu Orji handled the ball in the box but Dele Olorundare’s spot kick was well saved by Ghanaian goalkeeper Nana Bonsu.
Clement increased the Flying Antelopes’ lead four minutes after the restart, nodding home beautifully from a Chisom Egbuchulam cross.

In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Rivers United to move into the third position.
Waziri Christopher scored the winning goal 10 minutes from time.

At the Warri City Stadium, Shooting Stars were dragged into the relegation fight again following a 1-0 loss to Warri Wolves.
The Oluyole Warlords players who did not train all week to protest the non-payment of their five months salaries were condemned to defeat courtesy of Sikiru Alimi’s 23rd minute strike.

Lobi Stars put themselves back in contention for a continental ticket with a 2-1 win against FC IfeanyiUbah at the Aper Aku Stadium.
Yaya Soumaila broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 32nd minute, while Ismaila Gata restored parity for the Anambra Warriors from the spot seven minutes after the break.
Soumaila scored his second of the game and Lobi’s winner in the 72nd minute.

Champions Enyimba were held to a 0-0 draw at home by relegation-haunted MFM FC.

Abia Warriors ended their six games losing streak by beating Nasarawa United 2-1 in Umuahia.
Ogbonaya Okemiri put Abia Warriors ahead in the 18th minute with the away side rallying back through a strike by Douglas Achiv in the 59th minute.
However, an own goal by Abdulbasit Shittu three minutes before the end of the game ensured Abdullahi Biffo’s men got an important win that will sure aid their fight against the drop.

In another matchday 36 fixture, Plateau United ended Ikorodu United five games unbeaten streak by handing a 1-0 defeat to the Oga Boys at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.
The hosts scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute when Kelechi John headed home Bright Silas’ cross.
The Oga Boys are now relegated to the National League as it is now mathematically impossible for them to beat the drop.

MATCHDAY 36 RESULTS

Enugu Rangers 2 V 0 Sunshine Stars
Wikki Tourists 1 V 0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 2 V 1 Nasarawa United
Warri Wolves 1 V 0 Shooting Stars
Plateau United 1 V 0 Ikorodu United
Enyimba 0 V 0 MFM FC
Lobi Stars 2 V 1 FC IfeanyiUbah

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