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RANGERS THRASH ABIA WARRIORS 3-2, EXTEND LEAD AT TOP OF NPFL TABLE
Rangers International of Enugu have extended their lead at the top of the NPFL table to three points after a hard-fought win over Abia Warriors. At the same time, Enyimba also secured an expected victory against Heartland.
The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a thrilling matchday 30 as Rangers International of Enugu and champions Enyimba recorded victories in the Oriental derbies.
Rangers extended their lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over local rivals Abia Warriors while holders Enyimba continued their pursuit of the leaders with a comfortable win against Heartland.
The Flying Antelopes were pushed to their limits by a determined Abia Warriors side in the highly anticipated Oriental derby, but Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men ultimately prevailed in a five-goal thriller.
Isaac Saviour opened the scoring for Rangers in the 7th minute, but Adejoh Ojonugwa equalized for the visitors just before the break to make it 1-1 at halftime.
The second half saw Rangers regain the lead through Kazeem Ogunleye in the 48th minute, and Chiedozie extended their advantage just after the hour mark to make it 3-1.
Abia Warriors refused to go down without a fight, however, and Nwabueze Uzochukwu pulled a goal back in added time to make the final score 3-2.
The result sees Rangers move three points clear at the summit of the NPFL table, further cementing their position as title favourites.
The Naze Millionaires, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, as the defeat leaves them languishing in the relegation zone of the NPFL standings.
Elsewhere, defending champions Enyimba continued their pursuit of the leaders with a comfortable 1-0 victory over Heartland in Aba.
Ekene Awazie’s first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, as the Peoples Elephant dominated proceedings and created numerous chances to have added to the scoreline.
Despite the narrow margin of victory, Enyimba’s performance will have pleased their fans, as the club maintains the pressure on Rangers at the top of the table.
The results on matchday 30 have further highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the Nigerian top flight, with the race for the title and continental places heating up as the season enters its final stages.Enyimba’s teenage sensation Chibueze Izuogu has shared a video of himself expertly executing free-kick routines, demonstrating his set-piece prowess as the NPFL champions prepare to resume with a crucial derby against Heartland.
