Eight-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Enugu Rangers, continued their resurgence in the 2025/26 season by climbing to third on the table following a 2–0 victory over Kano Pillars in a matchday 24 fixture, deepening their opponents’ relegation troubles, The PUNCH reports.
An 11th-minute strike from Emmanuel Essien, followed by a 49th-minute own goal by Mukhtar Mohammed, secured the win for Rangers, who claimed their third victory in five matches and their 11th of the season.
The side coached by Fidelis Ilechukwu have only lost once in their last 10 outings—a 2–1 away defeat to Plateau United last week.
After a sluggish start to the campaign, Rangers’ improved form has lifted them to 39 points, just two points off the summit, although leaders Rivers United have the opportunity to extend their advantage with three outstanding fixtures.
For Kano Pillars, the defeat leaves them 18th on the NPFL table after 24 matches, as their inconsistent run continues. They have managed just two wins from their last five games, losing the other three.
Elsewhere in the NPFL, second-placed Nasarawa United survived a scare in Bauchi, holding on for a 1–1 draw against Wikki Tourists.
Nasarawa United took the lead through Victor Chimezie in the 29th minute, but the hosts responded six minutes later with an equaliser from Jonathan Mairiga.
Wikki Tourists striker Ibrahim Shuaibu missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead when he failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 54th minute.
Nine-time champions Enyimba also recorded their first win of the year, edging Bayelsa United 1–0 courtesy of an 81st-minute strike from Samuel Agu.
In Minna, visiting Bendel Insurance raced into a two-goal lead against Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, but a late rally from the hosts ensured a share of the spoils.
Nnamdi Anthony opened the scoring for Insurance in the second minute, before Chinedu Nwosu doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Abdulaziz Dalhatu reduced the deficit for Niger Tornadoes in the 60th minute, while Rickson Mendos struck a late equaliser for the hosts.
Four more matches are scheduled for today, with El-Kanemi Warriors hosting newcomers Kun Khalifat. Ikorodu City travel to Kano to face Barau FC, Kwara United will trade tackles with Warri Wolves in Ilorin, while Remo Stars entertain Plateau United.
With three games in hand, Rivers United still lead the NPFL standings with 41 points from 21 matches, followed by Nasarawa United on 40 points and Enugu Rangers on 39.
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