Rangers International climbed to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a convincing 2-0 home win over El Kanemi Warriors in a key Matchday 31 encounter.
Playing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Flying Antelopes controlled the game from the outset, dominating possession and creating several early chances but struggling to convert their opportunities. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 40th minute when Daniel Itodo rose to head home from close range after a scramble in the box.
Rangers maintained their grip on the game after the break and sealed the win late on through Godwin Obaje, who calmly finished in the 79th minute to secure all three points. The victory moves Rangers to 53 points at the summit, pending the outcome of Rivers United’s fixture.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars suffered a setback in their push for continental qualification after falling to a narrow defeat at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, where Elijah scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute for the hosts.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars boosted their survival hopes with an impressive 3-1 win over Kwara United. Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring before Ahmed Akinyele added a second shortly after. Kwara pulled one back through Hadi Haruna, but Victor Mbaoma quickly restored the two-goal cushion to seal the result.
In Kano, Kano Pillars secured a vital 2-0 win over Enyimba International in a crucial relegation battle. Chidozie Okorie gave the hosts an early lead, while veteran forward Ahmed Musa added a fine second before the break to lift his side further away from danger. The defeat leaves Enyimba in deeper trouble near the bottom of the NPFL table.
Ikorodu City and Kun Khalifat played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Joseph Arumala and Temitope Folarin on target for the visitors before Uchechukwu Onuoha rescued a late point for the hosts in stoppage time.
Plateau United edged Bayelsa United 1-0 thanks to a 50th-minute strike from Farouk Umar, while Warri Wolves and Bendel Insurance settled for a goalless draw in Ozoro.
Earlier, Wikki Tourists dropped points at home after being held to a 0-0 draw by Barau FC, rounding off a matchday filled with crucial results at both ends of the table.
