NPFL: Rangers held by Barau as Rivers United extend unbeaten start

Defending champions Rangers remained top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Barau FC on Sunday.

Rangers took the lead seven minutes before half-time when Ifeanyi Okechukwu found the net. Barau FC responded after the break, with Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau both scoring from the penalty spot to put the hosts ahead.

The visitors avoided defeat when Chidiebere Nwobodo struck an equaliser in stoppage time to secure a share of the points.

Rivers United also maintained their unbeaten start to the season, although they were held to a goalless draw by Abia Warriors.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United recorded a 2-0 win over Doma United. Sunday Dapman and Jofrank Istifanus scored for the home side as they claimed all three points.

Kun Khalifat also secured a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars.

Sporting Lagos recorded their second win of the day’s fixtures by edging Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

Victor Samuel gave Sporting Lagos the lead in the 14th minute, but Bendel Insurance levelled four minutes later through Kayode Oke.

Gafar Olaniyan restored Sporting Lagos’ advantage in the 22nd minute, and that goal proved decisive in an entertaining contest.

Plateau United produced the biggest result of the day, ending Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run with a 4-0 victory at the New Jos Stadium.

Paul Samson, Ekundayo Ojo, Samuel Ayanrinde and Nenrot Silas were all on target as Plateau United secured a commanding win over the Sai Masu Gida.

Sunday’s full results:

Barau 2-2 Rangers
Abia Warriors 0-0 Rivers United
Kun Khalifat 2-0 Shooting Stars
Nasarawa United 2-0 Doma United
Plateau United 4-0 Kano Pillars
Sporting Lagos 2-1 Bendel Insurance