Enyimba end winless start as Rangers move top of NPFL

Enyimba recorded their first victory of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season by beating Shooting Stars 4-2, while defending champions Rangers climbed to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves.

Richard Ezinna opened the scoring for Enyimba in the sixth minute, taking advantage of a mistake in the Shooting Stars defence.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Chibueze Damian struck from distance. Enyimba continued to dictate the game and added a third goal nine minutes before half-time.

Odinaka Obichere set up Idris Abubakar, who kept his composure to finish and give the home side a 3-0 advantage at the interval.

Enyimba increased their lead four minutes into the second half as Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scored their fourth goal.

Shooting Stars reduced the deficit in the 76th minute through substitute Mustapha Adams Agba’a, while Johnmark Aule added a second for the visitors in added time.

The result ended Enyimba’s winless beginning to the campaign after their earlier home clash with 3SC had drawn attention to their need for a first league victory.

Rangers secured their place at the summit after overcoming Warri Wolves 1-0 away in Ozoro.

Godwin Obaje, the experienced Rangers forward, settled the contest in the 11th minute by converting a penalty. His goal was enough to give the champions all three points.

Rivers United were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Samson Olasupo put Rivers United ahead two minutes after the restart, but their advantage lasted only three minutes. Sani Mubarak then equalised with a well-taken free-kick to earn Katsina United a share of the points.

There was also a stalemate in Lagos, where Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City played out a goalless draw in their local derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

The meeting produced no goals, with both sides taking one point from the fixture.