NPFL: Rangers take top spot, Akwa United shocks Plateau in Jos

For the first time since they won the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2017, Enugu Rangers have climbed to the top of the league’s ladder.

The Flying Antelopes recorded a 2-1 away win over Heartland of Owerri to reach 48 points, which is enough to take them over second-placed Lobi Stars (47 points), who could only manage a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa United in Lafia.

In the Week 27 game played at the Awka Township Stadium, Enugu Rangers opened scores in the 37th through Emmanuel Onyebuchi and Kalu Nweke made it 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Heartland was able to reduce the tally in the 15th minute of added time, but that was not enough to give them any share of the points.

However, the shocking result of the week happened in Jos where Akwa United beat homers, Plateau United, 2-1, with Gerome Heotchou and Sani Suleiman the heroes for the Uyo-based team.

Hoetchou opened the scoring for Akwa United in the 10th minute, but Sunday Anthony equalised for Plateau United in the 77th minute.

Undaunted in their search for success, Akwa United took the fight to the home team and were rewarded in the 91st minute when Suleiman converted from the spot to earn the Uyo side the three points.

In other matches, Kwara United defeated Enyimba 2-1 in Ilorin, Katsina United also beat Abia Warriors 2-1, Doma United was held to a 1-1 draw by Gombe United, while Kano Pillars beat Sporting Lagos 1-0.