Abia Warriors’ impressive winning run came to a halt on Wednesday as they fell 2-0 to Enugu Rangers in an entertaining Oriental Derby at the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, famously known as the Cathedral.
The clash carried extra weight for both sides: Abia Warriors, riding on three consecutive wins under coach Imama Amapakabo, arrived in Enugu seeking to seal their place among the NPFL’s early-season frontrunners, Footballrover reports.
While Rangers were determined to close the gap on their rivals — and they did so in commanding fashion.
Iwundu and Obaje Fire Rangers Past Abia Warriors
The Flying Antelopes started brightly and got their reward in the 15th minute when Chigozie Iwundu pounced on a swift attacking move to break the deadlock.
The home crowd roared at the Cathedral as the visitors struggled to regain composure.
Seventeen minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage through a clinical strike by former Abia Warriors star Godwin Obaje, who latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Evans Ogbonda.
It was Obaje’s fourth goal of the season—and a particularly symbolic one, given his history with the Umuahia club.
That goal all but sealed the outcome as the Coal City side maintained their defensive discipline and controlled the tempo.
The Abia warlords, despite their promising form coming into the game, could not find a way back and left Enugu disappointed.
Setback for Abia Warriors as Rangers Gain Momentum
The defeat saw Abia Warriors remain in fourth place on the NPFL table with 12 points from seven matches, while Enugu Rangers climbed to within a point of them, signalling a tightening race at the top.
The game also rekindled memories of the fruitful partnership between Obaje and Emeka Obioma, who were instrumental in Abia Warriors’ attack during Amapakabo’s first spell at the club in the 2020/21 season.
But this time round, the reunion ended in favour of the Flying Antelopes.
In their last six head-to-head meetings, the rivalry remained fierce:
Oct 8, 2025 – Rangers 2-0 Warriors
Feb 19, 2025 – Warriors 1-0 Rangers
Oct 6, 2024 – Rangers 1-0 Warriors
Apr 16, 2024 – Rangers 3-2 Warriors
Nov 26, 2023 – Warriors 1-0 Rangers
Mar 29, 2023 – Warriors 2-1 Rangers
This latest result means Rangers have now won three of the last three encounters at the Cathedral.
Elsewhere: Rabiu Ali’s Landmark Goal Inspires Kano Pillars
In another key NPFL clash, Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali once again proved decisive, scoring his 128th NPFL goal in the 22nd minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Kwara United.
The veteran midfielder’s strike delighted the home fans in Kano and highlighted his enduring importance to the Sai Masu Gida as they look to stay in contention this season.
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