Rangers Fly High, Enyimba Escape Relegation Zone In Dramatic NPFL Matchday 7

Enugu Rangers climbed to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table on Sunday after recording a convincing 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors, while Enyimba boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win against Plateau United.

The result moved the Flying Antelopes to 16 points from seven matches, putting them one point ahead of second-placed Rivers United, who have accumulated 15 points.

Rangers have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and will now aim to maintain their position at the summit as the season progresses.

Rivers United also continued their strong run near the top of the standings after defeating Ikorodu City 2-0.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Enyimba recorded their second victory of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Plateau United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The victory provided a major boost for the Aba-based side, lifting the Elephants out of the relegation zone following their difficult start to the campaign. Enyimba will next travel to face Katsina United on Sunday in their Matchday 8 fixture.

At the bottom of the standings, Kun Khalifat suffered another setback after a 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes. The result left the club rooted to the bottom of the table and increased pressure on the team to improve its fortunes.

Kun Khalifat have managed only one victory in their last seven matches against Kwara United, with their other encounters ending in draws or defeats.

Meanwhile, the NPFL is set to introduce Friday night fixtures as part of an adjusted matchday schedule designed to provide supporters with more opportunities to watch top-flight football.

The new arrangement will begin with the Matchday Nine encounter between Shooting Stars and Ranchers Bees at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, October 16. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6pm.

The league is also expected to introduce earlier kick-off times for selected Saturday and Sunday matches as the season progresses.

For Shooting Stars, the fixture against Ranchers Bees will be their second Friday home game of the season. The Ibadan club previously hosted Inter Lagos on a Friday during the opening matchday and secured a 2-1 victory.

The Matchday 7 results were: Kano Pillars 1-1 Sporting Lagos, Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Kun Khalifat, Rivers United 2-0 Ikorodu City, Enyimba 2-0 Plateau United, Bendel Insurance 4-1 Barau, Enugu Rangers 3-1 Abia Warriors, Inter Lagos 1-1 Katsina United, Kwara United 2-1 Ranchers Bees, Doma United 1-0 Warri Wolves, and Shooting Stars 0-0 Nasarawa United.