NPFL Review: Rangers go three points clear at the top, Enyimba maintain pressure

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a thrilling matchday 30 as Rangers International of Enugu and champions Enyimba recorded victories in the Oriental derbies.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Rangers extended their lead at the top of the table to three points after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over local rivals Abia Warriors while holders Enyimba continued their pursuit of the leaders with a comfortable win against Heartland.

The Flying Elephants were pushed to their limits by a determined Abia Warriors side in the highly anticipated Oriental derby, but Fidelis Ilechukwu's men ultimately prevailed in a five-goal thriller.

Isaac Saviour opened the scoring for Rangers in the 7th minute, but Adejoh Ojonugwa equalized for the visitors just before the break to make it 1-1 at halftime.

The second half saw Rangers regain the lead through Kazeem Ogunleye in the 48th minute, and Chiedozie extended their advantage just after the hour mark to make it 3-1.

Abia Warriors refused to go down without a fight, however, and Nwabueze Uzochukwu pulled a goal back in added time to make the final score 3-2.

The result sees Rangers move three points clear at the summit of the NPFL table, further cementing their position as title favourites.

Elsewhere, defending champions Enyimba continued their pursuit of the leaders with a comfortable 1-0 victory over Heartland in Aba.

Ekene Awazie's first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, as the Peoples Elephant dominated proceedings and created numerous chances to have added to the scoreline.

Despite the narrow margin of victory, Enyimba's performance will have pleased their fans, as the club maintains the pressure on Rangers at the top of the table.

The Naze Millionaires, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, as the defeat leaves them languishing in the relegation zone of the NPFL standings.

The results on matchday 30 have further highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the Nigerian top flight, with the race for the title and continental places heating up as the season enters its final stages.