Enugu Rangers showcased their strong form in the 2025-2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a convincing 2-0 victory against Kano Pillars on matchday 24. The win elevated them to third place on the league table while leaving their struggling opponents under mounting pressure.
The Flying Antelopes started brightly at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with Emmanuel Essien opening the scoring in the 11th minute to set the pace for the match. Rangers extended their lead just after the interval when Mukhtar Mohammed accidentally deflected the ball into his own net in the 49th minute.
This triumph marked Rangers’ third win in five games and their 11th victory of the season. Under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team has now suffered only one defeat in their last 10 league outings—a narrow 2-1 loss to Plateau United last week.
Following a sluggish start to the season, Rangers have gathered momentum, now sitting on 39 points, just two shy of the summit. League leaders Rivers United, however, have three games in hand and could widen the gap.
For Kano Pillars, the loss leaves them mired in relegation danger. They remain 18th on the NPFL table after 24 matches, having won just two of their last five fixtures amid a patchy run of form.
Elsewhere, second-placed Nasarawa United were held to a 1-1 draw at Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. Victor Chimezie put the visitors ahead in the 29th minute, only for Jonathan Mairiga to equalize six minutes later. Wikki Tourists had a chance to snatch all three points, but Ibrahim Shuaibu missed a penalty in the 54th minute.
Nine-time champions Enyimba also returned to winning ways, claiming a 1–0 victory over Bayelsa United thanks to an 81st-minute strike from Samuel Agu.
In Minna, Bendel Insurance seemed set for a comfortable away win after Nnamdi Anthony and Chinedu Nwosu scored in the 2nd and 38th minutes, respectively. Niger Tornadoes mounted a comeback, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu scoring in the 60th minute, followed by Rickson Mendos’ late equalizer to share the spoils.
Four more NPFL fixtures are scheduled for today. El Kanemi Warriors will host newcomers Kun Khalifat, Ikorodu City will travel to Kano to face Barau FC, Kwara United welcome Warri Wolves in Ilorin, and Remo Stars take on Plateau United.
At the top, Rivers United lead with 41 points from 21 games, closely followed by Nasarawa United with 40 points and Enugu Rangers on 39, setting the stage for a thrilling title race.
