Rangers International of Enugu extended their lead at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League table following a 3-2 win over Abia Warriors on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes, who were top by superior goal difference at the end of match day 29, opened up a three-point lead following a routine home win at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Saviour Isaac put the hosts in front via a freekick early on before the visitors pegged back through Ojonugwa Adejoh in first-half stoppage time. Three minutes after the break, Kazeem Ogunleye put Rangers back in front from another freekick before substitute Chiedozie Okorie added another after the hour mark. However, there was still time for Abia Warriors to pull one back late on through Pascal Nwabueze.
In Ibadan, Lobi Stars, who were second on the log before this round of games, lost 2-0 to Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The Oluyole Warriors scored in either half through Alex Aghahowa and Douglas Achiv to continue their strong run of form.
Friday Ubong was the star of the show at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as Akwa United thumped Niger Tornadoes 4-1 to return to winning ways. Ubong scored in the 37th, 70th, and 79th minutes to lead the Promise Keepers to a first win under Mohammed Baba Ganaru before Clinton Jephta grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.
In the Oriental derby in Aba, Enyimba defeated Heartland 1-0 courtesy of Ekene Awazie’s brilliant first-half goal. The defending champions move up to second by virtue of the win. Similarly, Pascal Durugbor’s goal was all Sporting Lagos needed to beat Sunshine Stars in the South-West derby in Lagos.
Bendel Insurance came from behind to beat Kano Pillars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. Ibrahim Mustapha gave the visitors the lead before second-half goals from Sunday Anyanwu (penalty) and Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi secured all three points for the home side.
2022 league champions Rivers United, upon their return to league action for the first time since March 17, defeated Plateau United 3-1 in Port Harcourt. Alex Oyowah, Deputy Echeta, and Ekerete Udom scored for the hosts before Bernard Mundi grabbed a consolation goal for the Peace Boys.
One of the most significant results in the bottom half was Kwara United’s 2-1 win at Gombe United. Sadeeq Yusuf and Shola Abdulraheem scored for the Harmony Boys while David Nnaji scored for the bottom club.
MD 30 results
Rangers 3-2 Abia Warriors
Enyimba 1-0 Heartland
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Kano Pillars
Gombe Utd 1-2 Kwara Utd
Bayelsa Utd 1-1 Katsina Utd
Sporting Lagos 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Akwa Utd 4-1 Tornadoes
Rivers Utd 3-1 Plateau Utd
Shooting Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars
Doma United v Remo Stars (Wednesday)
