NPFL Title Race: Rangers Edge Closer to Glory as Rivers United Keep Chase Alive

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Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, was in attendance at the Shooting Stars Vs Nasarawa United in Ibadan

Enugu Rangers took a bold step towards reclaiming the Nigeria Professional Football League crown with a 2-0 away victory over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, their first win on the road in eight matches.

The result keeps the Flying Antelopes at the summit and within reach of their second title in three seasons.

The win eased fears that Fidelis Ikechukwu’s men might falter again away from home, as they struck in the first half and sealed the points with a second goal in the 80th minute.

The club’s jubilant message on social media captured the mood: ‘The job is done on the road. Away victory secured! Never Say Die!’

Rivers United kept the pressure on with a 3-0 triumph over Abia Warriors, ending the visitors’ faint title hopes.

Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring just after the restart before Bello Babatunde added a late strike to secure the win.

Shooting Stars also climbed into third place after beating Nasarawa United, while Ikorodu City’s fixture against Wikki Tourist was postponed to Monday in Lagos.

The table now shows Rangers on 62 points, Rivers United on 61, Shooting Stars on 57, and Ikorodu City on 55 with a game in hand.

NPFL Top Four After Matchday 36
Team MP W D L GF GA GD PTS
Rangers Int’l 36 17 11 8 43:25 18 62
Rivers United 36 17 10 9 38:29 9 61
Shooting Stars 36 17 6 13 40:39 1 57
Ikorodu City 35 15 10 10 38:32 6 55

Matchday 37 could prove decisive.

Rangers host Bendel Insurance in Enugu, and victory there could seal the championship if Rivers United fail to win away at Wikki Tourist. A Rangers win would also mathematically knock Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars out of the race.

If the title is not settled, Matchday 38 promises a dramatic finale. Rangers travel to Ikorodu City, Rivers United host Katsina United, and Shooting Stars face Niger Tornadoes.

The equation is simple: Rangers can wrap up the NPFL title on Matchday 37 with a win over Bendel Insurance, provided Rivers United stumble in Bauchi against Wikki Tourist.

The Flying Antelopes are now firmly in the driving seat as the race heads into its final stretch.

Upcoming Fixtures

Matchday 37

Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifa

Katsina United vs Ikorodu City

Nasarawa United vs Plateau United

Rangers Int’l vs Bendel Insurance

Shooting Stars vs Barau

Wikki Tourist vs Rivers United

Matchday 38

Barau vs Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars