Get Guardian on GoogleEnugu Rangers will seek to consolidate their top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table when they host Kwara United in Awka on Sunday, as matchday 12 fixtures get underway nationwide.
The reigning champions returned to the summit on Wednesday after edging Bendel Insurance 1-0 in a rescheduled fixture and displacing Rivers United, who had topped the table.
Chidozie Iwundu scored the decisive goal in the second half, converting from a corner kick to hand the Flying Antelopes maximum points and take their tally to 21 from 10 matches.
Rangers lead the table by three points and have a game in hand. Another victory against Kwara United would strengthen their grip on the top spot, potentially extending their advantage to five points, depending on Rivers United’s result against Sporting Lagos.
Rivers United, meanwhile, face a difficult assignment against Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, as they attempt to close the gap on the champions.
The Port Harcourt side cannot afford another slip after a four-match winless run, while Sporting Lagos will be keen to maintain their reputation as giant-killers following impressive victories over Enyimba and Plateau United away from home.
Elsewhere, the Lagos derby between Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos promises an intriguing contest. Inter Lagos, rooted to the bottom of the table, are desperate to end a seven-match winless run, while Ikorodu City will seek their first victory in three matches.
Interim coach Olutayo Olusanjo has vowed to weed out underperforming players as the club struggles in its debut NPFL campaign.
Matchday 12 fixtures will run from Friday to Tuesday, with Kun Khalifat taking on Kano Pillars in Owerri to kick-start the round.
Enugu Rangers v Kwara United
Venue: Awka City Stadium, Awka
Kick-off: 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Rangers will approach Sunday’s encounter with renewed confidence following their victory over Bendel Insurance, their first since exiting the CAF Champions League. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men had earlier played out a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Port Harcourt before claiming all three points against Bendel Insurance to reclaim the leadership of the table. However, Kwara United could prove difficult opponents. Rangers have failed to beat the Harmony Boys in their last three meetings across all competitions, with the last two encounters ending in draws. Kwara United will also arrive in Awka eager to end a four-match winless streak. Their last victory came early last month, when they defeated Ranchers Bees 2-1 in Ilorin. The visitors will hope to exploit Rangers’ recent difficulties against them and produce an upset that could disrupt the champions’ title defence.
Ranchers Bees v Enyimba
Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina
Enyimba will travel to Katsina determined to secure their first away victory of the season and climb out of the relegation zone when they face Ranchers Bees. The nine-time champions have endured a difficult campaign on the road, recording four defeats and one draw in their five away matches. Their only point came against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on matchday six. Their hosts, however, have also struggled for consistency, going six matches without a win, with three defeats and three draws. Ranchers Bees have failed to improve their fortunes despite appointing Ma’aji Muhammad following the departure of former Enyimba coach Usman Abd’Allah. Enyimba recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Kun Khalifat last week, courtesy of Tobi Iyanda’s goal. However, the result has done little to ease their relegation concerns, with the Aba Elephant still on 11 points in the drop zone. The visitors will fancy their chances of taking advantage of Ranchers Bees’ poor run to secure a much-needed away win and revive their campaign.
Sporting Lagos v Rivers United
Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos
Kick-off: 4 p.m. (Tuesday)
Rivers United face a potentially defining test in their title campaign when they travel to Lagos to take on Sporting Lagos, knowing that another dropped point could widen the gap between them and league leaders Rangers. Finidi George’s men are targeting an end to their four-match winless run but face a Sporting Lagos side that has demonstrated its ability to trouble established NPFL clubs. Coach Jeffrey Buter has insisted that his team can compete with the league’s traditional powerhouses, backing his confidence with impressive away victories against Enyimba and Plateau United. The Tech Boys will now seek another notable scalp against one of this season’s title contenders. Sporting Lagos also have a recent psychological advantage over Rivers United, having beaten them 1-0 in their last meeting at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Former forward Clement Naantuam scored in the 52nd minute to secure victory for the Lagos side. Rivers United must therefore produce a strong performance if they are to return to winning ways and keep pace with Rangers in the title race.
Barau FC v Shooting Stars
Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
Kick-off: 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Shooting Stars will seek to extend their recent revival when they travel to Kano to face Barau FC, who are under increasing pressure following a prolonged winless run. The Oluyole Warriors have won two of their last three matches, with their only setback coming in a draw against Ikorodu City. The Ibadan side will hope to build on that momentum against a Barau team that has gone six matches without victory, raising questions about the club’s direction under head coach Eugene Agagbe. Barau’s last victory came in September, when they defeated Abia Warriors 2-0. However, the hosts will draw confidence from their home record, having secured three wins and two draws at the Sani Abacha Stadium this season. Shooting Stars, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their previous encounters with Barau, having won both meetings between the sides, home and away. The Kano club must therefore find a way to overturn that record if they are to halt their slide and ease the pressure on their technical crew.
