Rangers miss chance to go top

It appears the hoodoo of failing to win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in more than two decades returned to haunt Enugu Rangers on Monday.

The Flying Antelopes choked at home when they were expected to defeat Bayelsa United and go top of the league log.

 In spite of the heavy defeat at Enyimba on Sunday, champions Kano Pillars keep their spot at the summit of the pile.

Enugu Rangers 1 – 1 Bayelsa United

Okey Emordi's men bungled the opportunity of going top of the table. Oghogho Oduokpe put Rangers in the lead on 36 minutes from the spot. Bayelsa United stormed back into the game 10 minutes into the restart through Samuel Agba. Rangers now have 18 points and reclaim their second spot.

Nasarawa United 2 – 1 Wikki Tourists

This game ended in controversy. The Tourists claim the game should have ended 1-1. Victor Namo set the tone with a 28th minute goal. The Tourists got themselves back in the tie through Sani Ibrahim on 53 minutes. Jackson Daniel then got the winning goal being contested by Wikki.

Sunshine Stars 0 – 0 ABS

Sunshine Stars will be mightily disappointed that they failed to take the chance of going top of the NPFL standings. ABS defended so well and their goalkeeper, David Walbe, played his part. Saraki Boys even had opportunities to stun their more illustrious rivals but were indecisive in the final third.

Sharks 0 – 0 3SC

Laide Okanlawon put in a huge shift between the sticks to help 3SC win their first point on the road in Port Harcourt. Sharks still sit in the bottom four.

Heartland 2 – 1 Akwa United

Ebere Odiche opened score for Heartland in the 14th minute before John Aguda made the game even within two minutes. Once again, free-scoring Isah Akor was the hero as he netted the goal that turned out to be the winner. Akor is now leading scorer of the NPFL on seven goals. Heartland are now on 17 points.

Enyimba 3 – 0 Kano Pillars

 Last season's leading scorer, Sibi Gwar, put Kano Pillars to the sword by scoring all three goals just four minutes past the hour mark. Enyimba have now played themselves within sight of the leading teams in the standings.

Nembe City 1 – 0 Lobi Stars

It took a 60th minute goal from substitute Samuel Akinbinu to give City the full points. Nembe City are now on 17 points while Lobi are in the bottom half of the table with 14 points.

Warri Wolves 2 – 1 Dolphins

Dolphins would feel hard done by the extra two minutes added to the five in stoppage. Oghenekaro Etebo headed Wolves in front on 32 minutes. Chigozie Ihunda put Dolphins back in the game in the 83rd minute. But in the 97th minute, Lazarus Chukwu popped up to score the winner with virtually the last kick of the game.

Kaduna United 1 – 0 Gombe United

Hassan Abubakar's solitary strike on 50 minutes gave the hosts their fourth win of this season. Both teams are positioned in the bottom half of the PFL log.

Kwara United 2 – 0 El-Kanemi Warriors

This win puts Kwara United in the top five while El-Kanemi drop into the bottom four. Dare Ojo scored Kwara United's first goal of the day in the 33rd minute and new boy, Yahaya Adamu, who came on as a substitute, made his presence count with the insurance goal.