El-Kanemi Warriors leave Cathedral empty as Enugu Rangers top NPFL *See how clubs rate

Rangers International football team of Enugu, better known as Flying Antelopes, on Sunday beat visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 2-0 inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, aka Cathedral Enugu.

As a result, Enugu Rangers now have 54 points to lead the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Even though Rangers had the upper hand, right from the first half whistle, they dominated the match and would have scored more goals, but El Kanemi’s goalkeeper stopped many shots on goal.

Daniel Itodo opened the scoring chances for Rangers by converting a goal kick from a corner in the 40th minute of the first half.

As the second half of the match resumed, Godwin Obaje cemented El-Kanemi’s defeat by scoring the second goal in the 78th minute of the match.

The Warriors tried everything they could to cut down the count or tie the score, but the Rangers defense stood firm.

The standout performance came from Ikorodu City FC, who won 2-1 away against Kun Khalifat FC.

The Lagos team continues their fairytale season, tightening their grip on third place and aiming for an unlikely continental slot.

In Kano, Kano Pillars FC returned to winning ways with a clear 2-0 win over former champions Enyimba FC, compounding Enyimba’s woes in the bottom half.

Elsewhere, Plateau United FC beat Bayelsa United FC 1-0 to stay in the continental table, while Remo Stars FC revived their survival hopes with a clear 3-1 victory over Kwara United FC.

There was a stalemate in Warri and Katsina, as Warri Wolves FC and Bendel Insurance FC shared the spoils, while Katsina United FC and Shooting Stars SC failed to find a breakthrough.

With the title race tightening, continental places up for grabs and relegation battles intensifying, the NPFL is heading for a thrilling finale.

NPFL standings (matchday 31)

HIGHER 7
1. Rangers Internazionale FC – 54
2. Rivers United – 52
3. Ikorodu City FC – 49
4.Nasarawa United FC – 47
5. Shooting Stars SC – 47
6.Abia Warriors FC – 46
7.Bendel Insurance FC – 45

RETROCESSION PROBLEM
13. Tornado in Niger – 39
14. Kano Pillars FC – 39
15.Bayelsa United FC – 37
16.Enyimba FC – 36
17. Wikki Tourists FC – 36
18. Remo Stelle FC – 36
19.Kwara United FC – 33
20.Kun Khalifat FC – 33