Second-placed Rangers International stumbled in the title race by playing out a goalless draw with hard-fighting Barau FC in one of the match day 33 games of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes, who lost to Shooting Stars in their last league outing, were hoping to return to winning ways at the Cathedral, but the Maliya Boys stood their ground, denting the title aspirations of the hosts.
READ MORE: The battle of crowns and thorns reaches crescendo
Rangers thought they had taken the lead when a corner-kick was bundled home early on, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement in the area. Despite playing their hearts out to snatch the win, Chisom Chiaha made some fine stops coupled with some dogged defending to secure a point on the road.
In Lafia, Kun Khalifat edged Nasarawa United 1-0 to boost their survival chances with a rare win on the road. Otu Stanley scored the winner in stoppage time to secure a first win for the Pride of Imo in four NPFL matches.
In Ikenne, defending champions Remo Stars defeated Shooting Stars, who had two goals disallowed for offside, 1-0 in the South West derby. Former Ijebu United forward Samuel Anakwe scored the game’s only goal in the 49th minute.
It was big wins for Kano Pillars and Kwara United, who defeated Bendel Insurance 4-0 and Elkanemi Warriors 3-0, respectively. Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu, and Bernard Ovoke were the goalscorers for Sai Masu Gida in Kano. While Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed, and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam scored the goals for Kwara United in Lagos.
Rivers United, who started the match day as league leaders, fell 2-0 to Warri Wolves in Ozoro. Igbunu Evwierhurhoma and Othuke Egbo scored the goals for the Seasiders. Meanwhile, Katsina United also edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Katsina courtesy of Elijah Akanni’s second-half goal.
The match day continues on Monday with games between Abia Warriors and Bayelsa United in Aba, as Plateau United will trade tackles with continental-chasing Ikorodu City in Lafia.
