Enyimba NPFL win sees the former champions beat Rangers 2-1 in the Oriental derby as Nigeria Premier Football League action continues

Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions Enyimba Football Club returned to winning ways on Sunday, edging Rangers International 2-1 in a pulsating Oriental derby at the Aba Township Stadium.

Also read: Man United Secure Rare, Vital Win at Selhurst Park

Chidera Michael opened the scoring for the hosts in the 42nd minute before Stanley Dimgba doubled Enyimba’s advantage in the 81st minute.

Rangers International’s Kenechukwu Agu reduced the deficit in stoppage time, but the effort proved insufficient to prevent defeat.

The win marked Enyimba’s fifth of the season, moving them to 20 points after 15 matches.

Despite the result, the club remains in the mid-table, reflecting ongoing challenges after three consecutive matches without victory and the departure of coach Stanley Eguma.

Elsewhere in the league, newly-promoted Kun Khalifat FC secured a vital 2-0 win over Plateau United at the Dan Anyim Stadium in Owerri.

Lekan Gabriel struck in the 47th minute and Henry Ezeonye converted a 70th-minute penalty, lifting Kun Khalifat above the relegation zone with 17 points.

In Kano, Barau FC thrilled returning fans at the Sani Abacha Stadium with a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Kwara United.

Usman Maidubji’s early goal was cancelled by Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo, but Muhammad Umar restored the lead before halftime.

Aule Johnmark equalised early in the second half before Stanley Oganbor’s 90th-minute strike secured Barau’s fourth win of the campaign.

Ikorodu City climbed to the top of the league table with a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Lagos, courtesy of Chidera Oparaoche’s 69th-minute goal.

The win gave them 27 points, narrowly ahead of Nasarawa United, who fell 1-0 to Warri Wolves in Ozoro.

Other results included 3SC defeating El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 in Ibadan, and Bayelsa United settling for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United in Yenagoa.

Also read: Man United Secure Rare, Vital Win at Selhurst Park

The latest round of fixtures highlights an increasingly competitive Nigeria Premier Football League, with former champions regaining form and newly-promoted sides making crucial strides in the battle against relegation.