Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered major twists in the title race as Rangers International dropped points at home while Remo Stars secured a crucial derby victory.
Rangers were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Barau FC in Enugu. The Flying Antelopes, coming off a defeat in their previous outing, pushed hard for a response at the Cathedral but were unable to break down a resilient visiting side.
They thought they had taken the lead early on when a corner was forced into the net, but the effort was ruled out for an infringement.
Despite sustained pressure, Barau goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha produced several key saves, backed by disciplined defending, to earn his side a valuable point. The result leaves Rangers level on 50 points with Rivers United but still ahead on the table.
Rivers United, who began the round as leaders, suffered a setback with a 2-0 defeat to Warri Wolves in Ozoro. Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma and Othuke Egbo sealed the win for the hosts, shaking up the title race further.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars edged Shooting Stars 1-0 in a tense South West derby. The visitors had two goals ruled out for offside, but it was Samuel Anakwe who made the difference, scoring in the 49th minute to hand the defending champions a vital win to boost their survival hopes in what has been a challenging campaign.
Elsewhere, Katsina United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes thanks to Elijah Akanni’s second half strike. Kun Khalifat boosted their survival hopes with a hard fought 1-0 away win against Nasarawa United in Lafia, with Otu Stanley scoring a late winner in stoppage time.
There were also emphatic victories elsewhere as Kano Pillars thrashed Bendel Insurance 4-0, with Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu and Bernard Ovoke all finding the net. Kwara United also impressed with a 3-0 win over Elkanemi Warriors, courtesy of goals from Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam.
In an earlier game on Saturday, Enyimba FC battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw with Wikki Tourists. Wikki took the lead in the 14th minute through Bala Imamu and controlled much of the first half before being reduced to ten men after goalkeeper Utum Godswill was sent off late before the break.
Enyimba equalised in the 54th minute through Samuel Okechukwu and began to take control, but Wikki regained the lead in the 70th minute via Jonathan Mairiga.
Just when it looked like the hosts would claim all three points, Onyebuchi Nwaorisa struck in the 97th minute to rescue a draw for Enyimba and lift them out of the relegation zone on goal difference with 40 points.
The action continues on Easter Monday with more NPFL fixtures lined up, including Abia Warriors against Bayelsa United in Aba, while Plateau United will face Ikorodu City in Lafia as the battle for the title and survival intensifies.
