Rangers International strengthened their push near the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with comfortable 2–0 victory over Kano Pillars in the Zobia Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The home side began on the front foot and created early openings, with Wisdom Ebirim flashing a cross across goal after good work from Waheed Adebayo.
Rangers maintained the pressure and went close in the 13th minute when Chidozie Iwundu headed goalwards from a corner, forcing Sanusi into a vital clearance.
The breakthrough arrived after another set piece. Daniel Ani delivered a corner from the right, and when Kano Pillars failed to clear their lines, the ball dropped outside the penalty area for Emmanuel Essien, who smashed a powerful effort past goalkeeper Abuchi, leaving him with no chance.
Waheed Adebayo tested the Pillars defence again from the edge of the box, while former Rangers striker Chidozie Okorie threatened at the other end, seeing his shot blocked by Ejike Ikwu.
Kano Pillars finished the first half strongly, with Sanusi firing a long-range effort as they pushed for an equaliser.
Rangers were forced into a change before the break when goalscorer Essien was withdrawn through injury, visibly upset as he left the pitch. There was also a nervous moment when Iwundu misjudged a long ball under pressure from Okorie, but goalkeeper Lucky recovered to clear the danger.
The Flying Antelopes doubled their lead early in the second half. Ikechukwu Mgbemena sent a long pass forward for captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, who worked his way into the box before delivering a cross that deflected off Kano Pillars defender Mohammed Mukhtar and into his own net.
Rangers, seeking revenge for defeats at home last season and a first leg loss in Kano this season, continued to press. Kenneth Igboke delivered a dangerous cross that evaded everyone, before Eni skipped past Fahad but fired well wide from close range.
Mgbemena then released Waheed through on goal, but the winger failed to beat Abuchi in a one-on-one situation. Moments later, Eni again caused problems down the flank, squaring for Precious Ezechukwuma, who laid the ball back for Waheed, only for the chance to be wasted.
Mgbemena, who had been influential throughout, found space outside the penalty area and forced a superb save from Abuchi with a powerful strike.
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Kano Pillars struggled to create clear opportunities in the second half, with veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali’s long-range effort drifting wide as Rangers saw out the win.
The result lifts Rangers to third in the NPFL standings on 39 points, shaking off their Matchday 23 defeat to Plateau United. Kano Pillars remain in the relegation zone in 18th place with 25 points.
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Rangers will face Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby on Matchday 25, while Kano Pillars return to Kano to host Remo Stars.
Elsewhere on Matchday 24
Enyimba 1–0 Bayelsa United
Niger Tornadoes 2–2 Bendel Insurance
Wikki Tourists 1–1 Nasarawa United
Katsina United 2–0 Abia Warriors
