By Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced major shifts in the title race as Enugu Rangers moved to the top following a crucial home victory, while former leaders Rivers United and second-placed Ikorodu City dropped points.
On Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Abia Warriors 2–0, while Kwara United secured a narrow 1–0 win over Wikki Tourists courtesy of an early strike from Akanni.
Sunday’s fixtures delivered the biggest talking points of the round. Bendel Insurance recorded the most emphatic result of the weekend with a 4–0 demolition of Ikorodu City, with Oweilayefa netting a hat-trick in the encounter to end the visitors’ stay in second place.
Enugu Rangers capitalised on the slip by their title rivals, beating Nasarawa United 2–0 to climb to the top of the table with 47 points.
Rivers United also lost ground in the race after falling 1–0 to Bayelsa United away from home, a result that saw them drop to second on 46 points, while Ikorodu City now sit third with 45 points.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by 10-man Kun Khalifat, who finished the game with a player sent off, and Shooting Stars secured a 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. After seven games without a win, Remo Stars secured a 2–0 win against Katsina United, while Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves settled for a goalless draw.
Barau FC are scheduled to host Plateau United at 4:00 pm to conclude the round.
With 10 rounds still to be played in the 38-round season and some outstanding fixtures yet to be decided, the title race remains finely poised, with just two points separating the top three sides.
