A stoppage-time goal allowed Rangers International FC to remain leaders of the Nigeria Premier Football League, while Plateau United swept aside Kano Pillars and Rivers United maintained their unbeaten record during a 10-match round that yielded 27 goals.
Defending champions Rangers needed Chidiebere Nwobodo’s 93rd-minute strike to rescue a 2-2 draw away to Barau FC in Kano. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute, before second-half spot-kicks converted by Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau swung the contest towards the home team. Nwobodo’s late leveller kept Rangers first with 17 points and ended Barau’s flawless home run.
Plateau United produced the round’s most emphatic result, hammering Kano Pillars 4-0 in Jos and bringing Sai Masu Gida’s unbeaten opening to the campaign to an end. Paul Samson struck in the third minute, while Ekundayo Ojo made it two in first-half added time. Samuel Ayanrinde and Nenrot Silas, from the penalty spot, added late goals as the Peace Boys climbed to third on 14 points.
Rivers United remain the division’s sole undefeated club after a scoreless draw with Abia Warriors in Aba. The Port Harcourt outfit stay second on 16 points, one point behind Rangers, while Abia Warriors reached nine points but remain in the bottom half of the table.
Sporting Lagos recovered from an early setback to beat Bendel Insurance 2-1. Insurance went ahead after only 18 seconds through Kayode Oke, but Victor Samuel and Gafar Olaniyan scored to complete a rapid first-half turnaround for the hosts. Earlier in the round, Ikorodu City registered a straightforward 2-0 victory against Kwara United, with Farouk Salami and Ikechukwu Junior both scoring before the interval.
Nasarawa United overcame Doma United 2-0, with Sunday Dapman scoring alongside a Jofrank Istifanus penalty. In Owerri, Kun Khalifat claimed an important 2-0 success over Shooting Stars, a defeat that dropped the Ibadan club into the relegation places.
Warri Wolves defeated bottom club Inter Lagos 3-1, while Ranchers Bees drew 0-0 against Niger Tornadoes despite Habibu Yakubu receiving a late red card.
The matchweek began on Friday as Katsina United secured an entertaining 4-2 home win over Enyimba. Mubarak Sani, Luis Dadong and Umar Rabiu were on target, while Emeka Onyema’s own goal also helped the hosts extend their impressive home record against the Aba side.
