Defending champions Rangers International are back in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL title race after hammering visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure 3-0 today in Enugu.
Three second half goals by Usman Barau on 24 minutes, Joel Odoh in the 28th minute and Kingsley Maduro’s 42nd minute strike in the matchday 26 win vaulted Rangers three places to 3rd in the standings with 41 points.
Sunshine drop one place into 17th spot, one place behind Nasarawa United who inflicted a 1-0 defeat on table toppers Remo Stars in Lafia, with League top scorer Anas Yusuf extending his tally to 15 goals with a 25th minute strike.
Elsewhere at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Lobi Stars, anchored firmly in last place, slumped to a disappointing 0-2 loss to visiting Niger Tornadoes.
Goals in either half, respectively by Daniel Akanbek and Victor Okoro, secured the win for Tornadoes, who shot 4 places to 8th.
Despite parading former Super Eagles’ strikers Brown Ideye and new acquisition Junior Lokosa, Enyimba had to rely on an Ekene Awaziem’s 42nd minute strike to rescue a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Shooting Stars.
Sodiq Ibrahim openned scores for Shooting on 16 minutes.
Shooting cling to 2nd spot in the table on 42 points while Enyimba drop to 12th, two places below Kwara United who drew goalless against visiting 4th spotted Abia Warriors.
Another goalless affair took place at the Dan Anyiam stadium as both 13th placed Heartland FC and visiting El Kanemi Warriors, in 9th position, fired blanks in Owerri.
At the Sanni Abacha stadium, Kano Pillars notched up their 3rd win in their last 4 game unbeaten run, beating Abia Warriors 1-0.
Veteran League campaigner Rabiu Ali scored the only goal via a penalty kick to take his tally to 10 this season as second highest scorer.
Two games are scheduled for tomorrow 27 February 2025 to complete matchday 26 Fixture lineup.
Rivers United have a chance to leap to second spot if they beat visitors Katsina United while 11th placed Bendel Insurance could usurp Ikorodu City in 7th position if they defeat the Lagos based team by a wide margin of goals.
SOURCE: WORAMANGRA