RANGERS marked their return to Enugu with a 2-0 win over traditional rivals Shooting Stars Sports Club, also known as 3SC, just as Enyimba secured the only away win and struggling Heartland stunned leaders Remo Stars in a packed Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) festive schedule today.
The Flying Antelopes, playing their first NPFL match at their Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu ground after hosting teams in nearby Awka for over a year, cruised past the Oluyole Warriors, one of their oldest rivals, in the headline clash of the day.
Kalu Nweke struck in the first half and Chiedozie Okorie made sure of the points three minutes from time as Rangers moved up to ninth in the table, four spots above Shooting Stars.
In Yenagoa, champions Enyimba beat their hosts Bayelsa United 2-1, scoring a late goal after being pegged back.
Ekene Awazie gave the People’s Elephant the lead in the 65th minute but Bayelsa United levelled seven minutes later through Israel Consul.
Chijioke Mbaoma restored Enyimba’s lead in the 81st minute as Finidi George’s side earned the tough victory and rose to fourth spot, four points adrift of leaders Remo Stars but with two games in hand. Bayelsa United are rock bottom.
Remo Stars will end the year on top of the table but they missed the opportunity to extend their lead as they were beaten 2-1 by Heartland in Owerri.
The struggling hosts, fourth from bottom in the standings, scored twice in added time through Onyekachi Okafor and Chinedu Oke to secure the much-needed victory.
Promise Anyanwu had given Heartland the lead five minutes into the second half but the prolific Sikiru Alimi equalised for Remo Stars with his 11th goal of the campaign in the 69th minute before those goals in stoppage time gave Abia Warriors the three points.
The only draw of the matchday was recorded in Port Harcourt where Rivers United came from behind to play 1-1 with their visitors Bendel Insurance.
Chisom Okereke struck first for Bendel Insurance in the 21st minute but Nyima Nwagua equalised for Rivers United to earn them a share of the points.
Abia Warriors defeated Gombe United with Samson Obi scoring twice for the hosts, while Lobi Stars pipped Niger Tornadoes 1-0 through Suur Kuamaga’s 75th minute goal to go level on points with Remo Stars.
There were also victories for Katsina United and Plateau United, both winning 1-0 against Akwa United and Sporting Lagos respectively, while Kano Pillars edged past Kwara United 2-1.
NPFL RESULTS
Bayelsa United 1-2 Enyimba
Rangers 2-0 3SC
Rivers United 1-1 Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors 3-1 Gombe United
Heartland 3-1 Remo Stars
Lobi Stars 1-0 Tornadoes
Plateau United 1-0 Sporting Lagos
Kano Pillars 2-1 Kwara United
Katsina United 1-0 Akwa United
