Rangers, Enyimba top of the table clash abandoned in Enugu

The top-of-the-table StarTimes/Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) week 35 clash between table-toppers, Enugu Rangers and title holders, Enyimba of Aba was abandoned Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu following a late penalty that was awarded to the hosts. The match which was heading to a barren draw was abandoned eight minutes into the added minutes […]

The top-of-the-table StarTimes/Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) week 35 clash between table-toppers, Enugu Rangers and title holders, Enyimba of Aba was abandoned Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu following a late penalty that was awarded to the hosts.

The match which was heading to a barren draw was abandoned eight minutes into the added minutes when the referee awarded a penalty against Enyimba after one of the defenders was adjudged to have pulled down a Rangers forward inside the box.

The visitors vehemently protested the decision of the referee and refused to continue with the ‘Oriental derby’ which attracted a capacity crowd.

At the Lafia Stadium, Lobi Stars after three consecutive losses bounced back to winning ways as goals from Christian Izuchukwu, Chinedu Sunday and Stanley Oganbor gave them a slim 3-2 victory over Remo Stars.

• NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification for polytechnic graduates
• NIN database breach: NIMC agents to undergo vetting

Sikiru Alimi scored for Remo before Sunday’s own goal towards the end of the match further reduced the tally for the ‘Sky Blue boys’.

In Owerri, relegation-threatened Heartland pulled Doma United deep into the drop zone with a 3-1 win at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Nyima Nwagua scored the only goal in Port-Harcourt as Rivers United derailed 3SC’s continental ambition, while Bendel Insurance forced Abia Warriors to a 0-0 draw in Umuahia.

Sunshine Stars also boosted their chances of survival with a 2-0 win against Akwa United after Ibrahim Yusuf’s second half brace at the Akure Township Stadium.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United were forced to a 2-2 draw by visiting Sporting Lagos. Jonathan Alukwu put the visitors ahead with a second half brace but Bassey John also responded with his own brace for the hosts for the match to end on equal terms.

Although the top five has remained intact after the week 35 matches, the bottom half of the table has witnessed the swapping of places with the quartet of Akwa United, Sporting, Bayelsa United and Doma United romancing relegation on 43 points each