Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) frontrunners Rangers International FC secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors during their NPFL Oriental Derby clash at their home ground, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The Flying Antelopes took the lead early in the 7th minute through Isaac Saviour, Footballrover reports.
However, Ojonugwa Adejoh equalised for Abia Warriors just before halftime in the second minute of stoppage time.
The Coal City side regained the lead in the 51st minute of the second half, courtesy of Chiedozie Okorie.
Chiedozie’s goal proved to be crucial as Nwabueze Uzochukwu pulled one back for Abia Warriors in the 103rd minute.
The victory sees Rangers maintain their top spot in the NPFL table with 54 points after 30 games, opening their 3-point lead.
Victory tastes sweeter when you've worked hard for it. We keep up the fight! Cheers to another win!#RANABI #NPFL24 #OrientalDerby#HistoryTogether #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/mhPBqXhUqQ
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) April 16, 2024
Enyimba Claims Second Place with Narrow Win
Meanwhile, in Aba, Enyimba International FC secured a vital 1-0 home victory over Heartland FC of Owerri, moving into second place on the table with 51 points.
How about this goal ???? from Ekene Awazie……..Absolutely stunning ???? #TogetherForVictory pic.twitter.com/6wELCWrlEr
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) April 16, 2024
27-year-old Ekene Kennedy Awazie scored the only goal of the game, handing the home fans something to cheer about in the Oriental Derby.
Lobi Stars Fall to Shooting Stars
In another key encounter, Lobi Stars suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Shooting Stars, dropping to third place in the standings with 51 points.
Alex Aghahowa fired the hosts ahead barely three minutes into the game, and Douglas Achiv’s second-half strike sealed the deal for 3SC.
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