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Enugu Rangers have laid down the marker for the season after a dominant outing against Kano Pillars, with Benin Arsenal losing ground in the title race.
Enugu Rangers delivered a statement win in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, by dismantling Kano Pillars in Akwa City.
Rangers registered the resounding 4-1 win not only to showcase their football prowess but also to reaffirm their status as a formidable force in the Football League this season.
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11:42 - 28.10.2023
NPFL Prediction: Rangers to fly over Pillars, Benin Arsenal to flog Akwa United
Matchday 5 in NPFL features highfliers like Benin Arsenal, Rangers International and the struggling Akwa United.
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09:41 - 23.10.2023
Watch the Barbie Boy goal that has got Nigerians talking
It was the Southwest Derby in the NPFL as Remo Stars hosted Sporting Lagos and their Barbie Boy in Ikenne.
Rangers vs Pillars: Flying Antelopes Soar
Rangers, also known as the Flying Antelopes, have been a powerhouse in the Nigerian football scene for a while but have not been in the title race since they won it back in 2016.
But inspired by the lethal Nwaodu Chukwudi, who netted a brace in the match, the Antelopes’ performance against Pillars is a worthy statement for the title race this season.
It was, however, not a walk in the park, at least in the opening half which ended in a 1-1 draw. The Flying Antelopes were forced to come from behind after Mohammed Yakubu’s shock opener in Akwa City.
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Godwin Obaje, the reliable striker, kicked off the comeback trail when he netted a deserved equaliser heading into the break.
In the second half, it was all Rangers as two goals in two second half minutes completely blew Pillars off the park as the home side took control of proceedings.
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Man of the match, Chukwudi, who doubled the advantage in the 54th minute after goal of the day from Isaac Savior, wrapped things up in the 63rd minute with the fourth goal.
A fine win for the Rangers who now sit top of the table with 10 points from a possible 15 matches this season, with Pillars dropping to 10th on the log.
Benin Arsenal drop points
It was a different tale for FA Cup holders, Bendel Insurance, who faced their own set of challenges at home against Akwa United.
But unlike their counterparts, Rangers, Insurance dropped two points as United held them to a share of the spoils following a goalless affair in Benin.
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With the title race a closely contested affair at the stage of the season, the dropped points meant the Benin Arsenal have lost ground, giving way to Gombe United who handled things at home.
As noted in the Pulse Sports preview, Gombe United held their own to see off Plateau United thanks to a late 1-0 win.
That win saw them move up to third on the table while Bendel Insurance dropped out of the top four to fifth.
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