Rangers International climbed back to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over rivals Enyimba in a fiercely contested Oriental derby that delivered both tension and quality at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The visitors struck first shortly after the restart through Wonah Williams, silencing the home crowd and putting Enyimba in control. But Rangers responded with urgency and determination, showing why they remain serious title contenders.
Chidozie Iwundu brought the hosts level in the 61st minute, before Ifeanyi Onyebuchi completed the turnaround just seven minutes later with the decisive goal. The comeback victory lifted Rangers to 59 points, moving them one clear at the summit with only three rounds left to play.
While Rangers celebrated, Rivers United suffered a dramatic setback in Kano, where they were beaten 2-1 by Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Rivers looked set to secure a crucial win when Abdullahi Musa fired them ahead in the 81st minute, but the game turned on its head late on. Handsome Surveyor equalised in the 89th minute, before Ahmed Musa delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time, sealing a stunning comeback that reshaped the NPFL title race and dropped Rivers to second on 58 points.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors kept pace in the race for continental places with a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City, leaving both teams tied on 55 points but separated by goal difference. Shooting Stars also impressed on the road, edging El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 thanks to a brace from Qamar Adegoke, including a late winner.
At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United boosted their push for a top finish with a commanding 3-0 victory over Warri Wolves, moving up to sixth on 53 points.
Down the table, defending champions Remo Stars eased relegation fears with a convincing 3-0 win against Niger Tornadoes, climbing to 16th place on 43 points. Kwara United also boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory over Barau FC, while Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal encounter.
Other results saw Plateau United held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat, while Bendel Insurance secured a 2-1 away win against Wikki Tourists.
At the bottom of the NPFL table, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists remain in the relegation zone, though with a few matches still to play, the fight for survival is far from over as the season heads into a tense and decisive finish.
