Rangers International of Enugu went on the road to beat Bayelsa United, putting a twist in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race for the 2025/2026 season, www.aclsport.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes and Rivers United, who also defeated Abia Warriors at home, have been locked in the title race for weeks, but the 2-0 win in Yenagoa has brightened their chances of a second league triumph in three seasons. Chidiebere Nwobodo and Godwin Obaje scored late in either halves to secure the vital win for Fidelis Ilechukwu‘s side.
In the other game in Port Harcourt, Rivers United scored three second-half goals to make light work of continental-chasing Abia Warriors. Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring for the hosts before Sylvester Bell and Babatunde Bello added further goals in the final 15 minutes of the game.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Nasarawa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Lucky Emmanuel scored twice to put the home side in the driving seat before Leonard Ugochukwu also headed one back for the Solid Miners on the brink of halftime.
Just 10 minutes after the restart, the visitors were level. Habibu Alakija intercepted a ball from 3SC goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah to finish for his side’s second goal, much to the surprise of the home fans. However, 3SC’s super sub Qamar Adegoke, who missed a penalty just after the hour mark, finished expertly from Ayobami Junior’s 13th assist of the season in the 77th for the match-winner.
In the battle of two former champions, Enyimba defeated Remo Stars 2-1 in the relegation six-pointer in Aba. Former Enyimba striker Victor Mbaoma handed the away side the lead before goals from Stanley Dimgba and Chidera Michael turned the game on its head for the hosts.
Similarly, Kun Khalifat defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 in Owerri. Mmesoma Nnorom first scored for the hosts before Luis Dadong thought he had grabbed a point for Sai Masu Gida five minutes from time, only for Oghenetega Ebetomame to pop up with the winner in stoppage time.
It finished 2-2 between Niger Tornadoes and Kwara United in the North Central derby in Minna. Abdulrasheed Dabai scored first for the hosts before Babatunde Bright and Akeem Akanni turned the game around for the visitors. Ismail Sarki then scored a late equaliser in a game that both sides had a man sent off.
In Kano, Barau FC defeated Elkanemi Warriors 3-0 to move closer to safety. Sunday Anthony, Henry Ezeonye and Joseph Atule scored the goals for the Maliya Boys. Tejiri Emonena scored the only goal to help Warri Wolves beat Plateau United in Ozoro.
Meanwhile, the remaining minutes of the goalless game between Bendel Insurance and Katsina United will be played on Monday morning after a heavy downpour in Benin. Also, the final game of the match day will be decided on Tuesday between Ikorodu City and relegation-threatened Wikki Tourists in Lagos.
