NPFL MD 30 Wrap: Rangers retain top spot as Shooting Stars edge Lobi to top four

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The race for the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title and relegation survival continue with Matchday 30 games on Tuesday, with leaders, Enugu Rangers edging Abia Warriors 3-2 at home thanks to goals from Isaac Saviour, Kazeem Ogunleye, and Chiedozie Okorie.

Godwin Obaje missed a penalty before Adejoh Ojonugwa and Paschal Nwabueze scored for the visitors.

In Aba, Enyimba moved to the second spot after Ekene Awazie’s first-half goals ensured a 1-0 win for the People’s Elephant against 19th-placed Heartland FC.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars moved to the fourth position as goals from Alex Aghahowa and Douglas Archiv lifted the Oluyole Warriors to a 2-0 victory against Lobi Stars which dropped to the third spot.

Remo Stars can move to the second or third position depending on the result of their game with Doma United in Gombe on Wednesday.

In Uyo, Akwa United remained in the relegation zone despite a 4-1 triumph over Niger Tornadoes.

Joshua Enaholo (own goal), Osoba Kabir, and Friday Ubong (brace) converted for the Promise Keepers.

Ubong Essien was sent off for the host as Clinton Jepthta pulled a goal back for the Tornadoes.

15th placed, Bayelsa United played out a 1-1 draw with Katsina United in Yenegoa.

Garando Tekena’s goal for the host was canceled out by Andrew Idoko in the 31st minute from the penalty spot.

In Benin City, Bendel Insurance had to come from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win over ten-man Kano Pillars.

Ibrahim Mustapha gave the Sai Masu Gida the lead in the 17th minute.

A red card to Mohamed Galadima in the 53rd minute started the comeback for the host as Sunday Anyanwu equalised five minutes later.

Meyiwa Oritsewejinmi scored the winning goal six minutes before the end of the game.

In Gombe, Kwara United picked the only away win as the Harmony Boys edged Gombe United 2-1 at the Pantami Stadium.

Sadeeq Yusuf and Abduraheem Shola converter for the visitors while David Niyi scored for the host.

Former champions, Rivers United also remained in the relegation zone despite a 3-1 success over Plateau United in Port Harcourt.

Alex Oyowah, Deputy Echeta, and Udom Ekerette find the back of the net for the Pride of Rivers as Bernard Mundi scored for Plateau United.

Rivers United have six outstanding matches due to their continental engagement which is now over after crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Paschal Durugbor scored the solitary goal for Sporting Lagos to seal a 1-0 win over South West neighbours, Sunshine Stars in Lagos.