Rangers Go Top of NPFL After Beating Enyimba in Oriental Derby, Ahmed Musa Brace Sinks Rivers United
CAF Confederation Cup Battle Heats Up as Shooting Stars, Abia Warriors Close In
Rangers International climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after coming from behind to defeat relegation-threatened Enyimba of Aba 2-1 in their Matchweek 35 Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu.
The Flying Antelopes now sit on 59 points from 16 wins this season, edging one point ahead of Rivers United, who suffered a 2-1 defeat in Kano courtesy of an Ahmed Musa brace.
Rivers thought they had salvaged a point with a late equalizer from a corner, but Musa, who opened the scoring in the 81st minute, sealed the win with a powerful header from Fahad Usman’s cross.
Elsewhere, Ikorodu City stumbled in Umuahia, losing 2-1 to Abia Warriors. The Lagos-based side remains on 55 points, four off the top, while Abia Warriors drew level on points but sit fourth, intensifying the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
Shooting Stars boosted their continental hopes with a 2-1 away win at Katsina United, moving to fifth, just a point behind Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors. Bendel Insurance also stayed in contention, climbing to sixth with 52 points after defeating Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.
In the relegation battle, defending champions Remo Stars eased their drop fears with a 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Ikenne.
The Kunle Soname-owned side is now level on points with Tornadoes, Enyimba, and Warri Wolves, though Wolves have a game in hand.
Kun Khalifat temporarily moved out of the bottom three after holding Plateau United to a 1-1 draw.
