Rangers International defeated Abia Warriors 3-1 in Awka to maintain their position at the top of the NPFL table after Match Day 7.
Enugu Rangers International FC made a winning return to the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday, defeating Abia Warriors 3-1 in an Oriental derby clash on Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The victory helped the defending champions maintain their position at the top of the NPFL table with 16 points from seven matches.
Rangers dominated much of the opening half and eventually took the lead in the 37th minute through experienced striker Godwin Obaje.
The Flying Antelopes went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage.
Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled Rangers’ lead four minutes after the restart, finishing from a rebound to make it 2-0.
Abia Warriors reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute after Rangers conceded a penalty for a handball inside the box. Emeka Obioma converted the spot kick to bring the visitors back into the contest.
The game took another turn in the 77th minute when Abia Warriors were reduced to 10 men following a red card to Jibrin Faiz.
Rangers capitalised on the numerical advantage in stoppage time, with Daniel Akorode scoring to restore the two-goal cushion and complete the 3-1 victory.
The result marked a successful return to Awka for Rangers, who are currently playing their home matches away from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu while the facility undergoes renovation.
The NPFL had officially listed the Rangers-Abia Warriors encounter for the Awka Township Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m. on October 4.
Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo said his side created several opportunities but failed to convert them, attributing the defeat largely to technical issues.
He nevertheless expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, noting that there was still a long way to go in the league.
The victory keeps Rangers at the summit with 16 points, while Rivers United sit second with 15 points after their 2-0 win over Ikorodu City.
Rangers’ next league fixture is against Barau FC on October 11, while their subsequent meeting with Bendel Insurance is scheduled for October 18.
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