Enyimba FC took a major step toward securing a top-three finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a gritty 2-1 win over fierce rivals Rangers International in a heated Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.
Not only did the victory hand the defending champions a vital three points on Matchday 35, but it also served as sweet revenge for last season’s heartache, when a decisive defeat in this same fixture handed Rangers the league title.
The match began with a moment of reflection, as players, officials, and fans observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Tade Azeez, who passed away earlier this week in Lagos.
Despite a bright start from Rangers, including early chances from Evans Ogbonda and Isaac Saviour, Enyimba struck first. Former Rangers defender Innocent Gabriel rifled in a 25-yard bullet to open the scoring in the 20th minute. Six minutes later, Ekene Awazie doubled the advantage with a swift team goal, catching the home defence off guard.
Rangers showed more urgency in the second half, led by substitute Chidozie Okorie, who pulled one back by finishing off a well-placed Isaac Saviour free kick. The home side pressed for an equalizer, with Saviour almost leveling the score from another free-kick that rippled the side-netting, drawing gasps from the home supporters.
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Enyimba nearly wrapped things up when Brown Ideye, teed up by Awazie, struck the woodwork in the dying minutes.
Following their defeat in the Oriental Derby against bitter rivals Enyimba FC, Rangers Int’l FC have now lost six home games this season — the most home losses of any side in the current campaign. They also have the fourth-worst home form this season.
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With three matches left in the season, Enyimba now sit in 5th place with 52 points, just behind the top three. Coach Stanley Eguma’s side is hitting form at a crucial time. Meanwhile, Rangers fall to 8th with 49 points, and their continental hopes now hang in the balance.
NPFL Matchday 35 – Other Centers
Nasarawa United 1–0 Heartland FC
Anas Yusuf 45+’
Abia Warriors 3–1 Shooting Stars (3SC)
Ojonugwa Adejoh 8’, Antoine Ijoma 21’, Sunday Megwo 48’ – Alex Aghahowa 57’
Sunshine Stars 2–0 Katsina United
Waheed Adebayo 71’, 90+’
Plateau United 2–1 Bendel Insurance
Sadiq Abubakar Adamu 17’, 49’ – Stanley Okorom 90+’
Akwa United 2–1 Ikorodu City
Uche Sabastine 31’, Kabir Osoba 76’ – Wisdom Ubani 19’
