Duro Ikhazuagbe
The twists and turns of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) continued with the midweek fixtures yesterday as Rangers International FC of Enugu consolidated their hold at the summit with a 2-0 home win against Sunshine Stars of Akure.
The Flying Antelopes are at the top of the Nigerian topflight on 51 points from 28 games.
Former champions Enyimba who demolished Kano Pillars 5-0 at their fortress in Aba have now climbed to second spot on 48 points, just three points less than leaders Rangers.
Kalu Nweke grabbed the opening goal for The Flying Antelopes on 40 minutes, before Ifeanyi Onyebuchi sealed the victory 2-0 in the 71st minute for them to dim the Akure Gunners.
Elsewhere, Super Eagles interim coach, Finidi George, got Enyimba back to winning ways in fine style after they humbled visiting Kano Pillars 5-0 with a brace by Joseph Atule as well as goals from NPFL leading scorer Chijoke Mbaoma, Eze Ekwutoziam and Muyiwa Alade.
In Lagos, Lobi Stars stayed among the front runners in third place on same 48 points as Enyimba when they held Sporting Lagos to a 1-1 draw on the road.
Sporting Lagos took the lead with a goal by Junior Lokosa after 33 minutes of action, before Lobi drew level in the 61st minute through Samuel Tiza.
In Uyo, Doma United stunned hosts Akwa United 1-0 after they held on to an eighth minute strike by Emmanuel Jesam, just as Bayelsa United left it late to stop visitors Heartland and Abia Warriors piped Plateau United 1-0.
In the later kick-off games Shooting Stars beat Kwara United 2-0, while home team Bendel Insurance fell 3-1 to Niger Tornadoes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
RESULTS
Rangers 2-0 Sunshine
Enyimba 5-0 K’Pillars
Akwa Utd 0-1 Doma
B’Insurance 1-3 Tornadoes
Shooting 2-0 Kwara Utd
Bayelsa 1-0 Heartland
Abia War 1-0 Plateau
