NPFL Matchday 22 Round-Up: Rangers Thrash Warri Wolves Nasarawa United Stun Abia Warriors

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Enugu Rangers delivered a commanding performance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday, dismantling Warri Wolves 4-2 to reignite their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title challenge.

The Flying Antelopes made their intentions clear from the outset, with Godwin Obaje opening the scoring inside the first minute to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. The striker doubled his tally just 10 minutes later, finishing clinically in the 11th minute as Rangers seized early control of the encounter.

Warri Wolves struggled to contain the hosts, who dictated the tempo and created chances at will. Although Israel Oladeji pulled one back for the visitors in the 56th minute, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly dashed.

Chimobi Igwilo restored Rangers’ two-goal cushion in the 71st minute before adding his second just five minutes later, capitalising on a rapid counter-attack that left Wolves exposed. A late penalty by Seth Mayi in stoppage time merely reduced the margin and did little to alter the overall narrative of a dominant display by Rangers.

The victory moves Enugu Rangers up to fourth place with 36 points, edging them ahead of Ikorodu City and keeping them firmly in the hunt for continental qualification.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors suffered a major setback in their title pursuit as Nasarawa United staged a spirited comeback to secure a 2-1 victory, inflicting the hosts’ first home defeat of the NPFL season.

Chukwuemeka Obioma had given Abia Warriors the lead just before half-time, reinforcing their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable home sides. However, Nasarawa United returned after the interval with renewed energy and determination.

Habibu Alakija drew the visitors level in the 47th minute, before JoFrank Istifanus completed the turnaround eight minutes later with a composed finish that silenced the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The result means only Rangers, Ikorodu City, and El-Kanemi Warriors remain unbeaten at home in the league this season.

Nasarawa United’s impressive win lifts them to second place on the NPFL table with 38 points, three adrift of leaders Rivers United, who still have a game in hand. Abia Warriors, now third with 37 points, see their momentum disrupted at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in Ibadan, with Qamar Adegoke’s 71st-minute strike ending the visitors’ nine-game unbeaten run. The win keeps 3SC sixth on 35 points and firmly in contention for a top-three finish.

El-Kanemi Warriors also left it late to claim a 1-0 win over Ikorodu City, courtesy of Muktar Ismail’s 89th-minute effort.

Niger Tornadoes impressed with a 2-0 victory against Enyimba, as Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai and Rickson Mendos found the net, while Wikki Tourists recorded a similar scoreline over Kano Pillars, with goals from Taheer Abubakar and Klinshak Longbak.

Barau and Bayelsa United played out a 1-1 draw, while Katsina United and Plateau United shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate.

At the bottom of the table, defending champions Remo Stars remain under pressure in 16th place. Still playing their home matches in Ibadan due to sanctions that have kept them away from Ikenne, they face fellow strugglers Kun Khalifat FC on Monday in a fixture that could prove decisive in their battle for survival.