Defending champions Enugu Rangers handed Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) leaders Remo Stars a 2-1 defeat in their week 24 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained an eight-point lead at the top of the table, keeping their title aspirations firmly intact.
Rangers Take Control Early
Rangers opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Isaac Saviour, who found the back of the net with a clinical strike. Early in the second half, Kingsley Moduforo doubled the hosts’ advantage with a brilliant finish in the 49th minute. Hadi Haruna pulled one back for Remo Stars in the 89th minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny Rangers their much-needed victory.
Remo Stars Maintain Stronghold on the Top Spot
Although the loss at the “Cathedral” was a blow for Remo Stars, they remain in a strong position, sitting eight points clear of second-placed 3SC, who occupy 40 points. Title holders Rangers climbed into third with 38 points, still trailing Remo Stars by 10 points.
Heartland Stuns 3SC in Owerri
Meanwhile, second-placed 3SC missed the opportunity to close the gap on Remo Stars after suffering a 2-1 loss to Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland in Owerri. The match was a nail-biter, with Heartland taking the lead through Chukwuma Agor in the 31st minute. 3SC equalized via a penalty from Adam Mustapha in the 80th minute, but it was Bassey John who converted a penalty in the 88th minute to secure a dramatic win for Heartland.
This victory has propelled Heartland to 12th place with 32 points, as they continue to fight for survival in the league.
Bendel Insurance Dominates Niger Tornadoes
In the late game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Bendel Insurance bounced back from a 1-0 loss at 3SC last week to secure a dominant 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes. Julius Emiloju opened the scoring in the 5th minute, while Uche Collins doubled the lead in the 55th minute. Kayode Solomon sealed the victory with a third goal in the 76th minute. This crucial win lifted Insurance to 10th place with 34 points, leveling with Enyimba in 11th, though they are ahead on goal difference.
