NPFL 2023/2024 Season: Matchday 31 Results - Title race blown open as Rangers, Enyimba & Lobi stumble

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title race was blown wide open on Matchday 31, with the leading contenders all dropping points in dramatic fashion.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that a total of 14 goals were scored across eight matches, an average of 1.75 goals per match, with Kano Pillars providing the best entertainment on Sunday.

League leaders Rangers International saw their grip on the summit loosen further as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rivers United in Port Harcourt. 

Fidelis Ilechukwu and his Flying Antelopes struggled to contain their hosts, the Pride of Rivers, who proved just too strong.

Defending champions Enyimba had to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Sunshine Stars in Akure. 

The Aba Elephants' title charge has stalled in recent weeks but Chidiebere Nnachi was a hero as his 71st-minute goal forced a share of the spoils against the Owena Whales.

Lobi Stars missed the chance to go top after being held to a 0-0 stalemate by Amas Obasogie's impressive Bendel Insurance side in Lafia.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Obasagie delivered a goalkeeping masterclass as he proved a bulwark against the motivated Pride of Benue. 

While the frontrunners faltered, Kano Pillars sent out a title warning with a thumping 4-0 victory over Gombe United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Umar Shehu and club and League legend, Rabiu Ali, were the heroes for Pillars after the netted a brace each. 

New Sporting Lagos boss Abdullahi Biffo had a disappointing start to life at the relegation-threatened club, with his side falling 2-0 to his former employers Katsina United.

Biffo replaced former manager Paul Offor but the appointment failed to inspire the Tech Boys in Dutse against Biffo’s former employers.

With the title race delicately poised, the upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal in deciding the destination of the NPFL crown.