Ikorodu City claim historic Aba win as Rangers retain NPFL lead

Enugu Rangers remain top of the NPFL despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Niger Tornadoes in Minna, while Ikorodu City secured their first away victory of the season by beating Enyimba 1-0 in Aba.

Rangers now have 25 points from 12 matches, three ahead of Kano Pillars, who have played one more game following their derby victory over Ranchers Bees on Saturday.

All six of Sunday’s Matchday 13 fixtures began at 16:00 WAT.

Sunday’s NPFL results

– Inter Lagos 2-1 Abia Warriors, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan
– Kwara United 1-1 Rivers United, Kwara State Stadium
– Enyimba 0-1 Ikorodu City, Enyimba Stadium
– Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Rangers, Bako Kontagora Stadium
– Katsina United 2-1 Nasarawa United, Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
– Warri Wolves 2-1 Sporting Lagos, Southern Delta University Stadium

Ikorodu City arrived in Aba having drawn three and lost three of their six away matches this season. Their victory moved them to 18 points from 13 games and matched the 1-0 scoreline from their previous visit to Aba in February.

The result was another setback for Enyimba, who have now lost eight of their 13 league matches. The nine-time champions remain on 11 points, with all three of their victories this season having come at home.

Niger Tornadoes moved on to 17 points after taking a share of the points from the league leaders on home soil. Rivers United drew with Kwara United in Ilorin and are now on 19 points from 12 matches, while Nasarawa United stayed on 20 points after losing at Katsina United.

The draw in Minna leaves Rangers with a useful advantage in the standings. They still have a match in hand over Kano Pillars, Bendel Insurance and Barau, meaning their three-point lead could become six even if the teams behind them win their next fixtures.

Kano Pillars were the only side among the leading challengers to win this weekend. Bendel Insurance lost to Shooting Stars, Barau drew, Nasarawa United were defeated by Katsina United and Rivers United also dropped points.

At the other end of the table, Ikorodu City’s result ended the only notable gap in their record this season: they had not previously won away from home. Enyimba’s defeat also weakened the assumption that their home ground would provide a reliable source of points as they attempt to move clear of the bottom places.

Matchday 13 is not yet complete, with Plateau United still due to play Kun Khalifat later in the round. Kano Pillars’ next match will be away to Ikorodu City, a fixture that has gained significance after Sunday’s results.