Rangers, Pillars secure vital wins in NPFL rescheduled fixtures
Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars both claimed crucial victories yesterday in rescheduled Matchday 5 fixtures of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), boosting their early-season campaigns with impressive home performances. At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Rangers triumphed 2-0 over Abia Warriors in the much-anticipated Oriental Derby. The Flying Antelopes, under coach Fidelis […]
Rangers, Pillars secure vital wins in NPFL rescheduled fixtures
Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars both claimed crucial victories yesterday in rescheduled Matchday 5 fixtures of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), boosting their early-season campaigns with impressive home performances.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Rangers triumphed 2-0 over Abia Warriors in the much-anticipated Oriental Derby. The Flying Antelopes, under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute through Chigozie Iwundu, who finished off a well-worked team move. Their dominance paid off again in the 33rd minute when Godwin Obaje doubled the advantage, calmly slotting home to seal the win before halftime.
Despite Abia Warriors’ promising form coming into the fixture — including a 1-0 away win at Kwara United last weekend — they struggled to cope with Rangers’ high pressing and attacking intensity.
The result lifts Rangers up the NPFL standings as they continue to find rhythm after a slow start to the season, while Imama Amapakabo’s Warriors missed the chance to move into second place.
In Kano, Sai Masu Gida edged Kwara United 1-0 in a tense contest at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali proving decisive once again. The 43-year-old club legend scored in the 23rd minute, converting a low cross to hand Pillars their second win of the season.
For Pillars, the result was a much-needed boost after managing just four points from their first five matches. Evans Ogenyi’s side climbed out of the bottom of the table and will hope to build on the momentum ahead of their weekend clash with Shooting Stars.
Kwara United, still goalless away from home this season, remain winless under interim coach Ashifat Suleiman and will need a quick turnaround to avoid slipping further down the standings.