NPFL24: Rangers, Plateau enter Top 3 after crucial wins

Former champions Rangers International and Plateau United cracked into the Top 3 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after impressive wins in Wednesday’s Match Day 22 schedule, www.aclsports.com reports.

2016 champions Rangers edged Remo Stars by a lone goal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu courtesy of Kenechukwu Agu’s 57th minute free kick which left Remo goalkeeper Kayode Bankole rooted to one spot. But it was 2017 Champions Plateau United, playing in Awka, near Enugu that produced the performance of the round.

United, coached by former Rangers assistant coach Mbwas Mangut ran riot over hosts Heartland FC 1-5 at the Awka City stadium to shoot themselves to second position. Nenrot Silas scored twice for the United with defenders Olawale Doyeni and Harrison Ebah also on target with Onyekachi Okafor netting a late consolation for the hapless hosts.

Another title contenders Kano Pillars went down 2-3 to Katsina United away from home in the much anticipated North West derby decided at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina. Jonas Emmanuel, Azeez Falolu and former Pillars star Nazifi Yahaya scored for the hosts with their strikes sandwiches by Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga and Mustapha Umar’s goals for Pillars.

With Rangers and Plateau United soaring, ten-man league leaders Lobi Stars were pegged back in Akure as Kennedy Boboye earned his first win as Sunshine Stars boss. Two first half goals by Vincent Temitope and Chidozie Iwundu were all Sunshine needed to claim the 2-0 win with the goals coming after John Lazarus was sent off for the visitors.

Bayelsa United continued their resurgence with a 2-0 outclassing of Doma United in Yenagoa. Ekeson Okorie’s 45th minute penalty put them en route to the win before the enterprising winger netted his brace in the 63rd win to give Meremu Okara’s side a fourth win in their last five matches.

Sporting Lagos were the only team that came from behind to record a win on Match Day 22 after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over endangered Akwa United at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos. Sani Suleiman gave Akwa the lead with a brilliant solo effort early in the second half but midfielder Michael Tochukwu scored twice late on, including a brilliant free kick to give Paul Offor’s side maximum points.