Chuks Nweze
With agencies
Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, the Flying Antelopes, Tuesday defeated visiting Abia Warriors of Umahua by three goals to two at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to consolidate their grip on the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) though defending champions Enyimba is following the Enugu warlords closely after pipping Heartland by a lone goal in Aba in the other “Oriental derby”
Rangers Jersey No. 22, Saviour Isaac opened the floodgate of goals in the 8th minute of the first half.
Godwin Obaje also missed from the penalty spot on 14 minutes for Rangers.
Playing with a buoyed spirit, Abia Warriors reduced the tally in the 86th minutes of the match.
‘The Flying Antelopes’ now have 54 points from 30 matches.
However, they are closely followed by Enyimba, who gave coach Finidi George a befitting 53rd birthday gift after they saw off regional rivals Heartland by the odd goal.
Enyimba climbed to second place with 51 points and a better goals difference than Lobi Stars, who play later today at Shooting Stars.
Ekene Awazie first-half strike proved to be the match winner for ‘The People’s Elephant’.
At the other end of the standings, Kwara United eased their relegation worries after they won 2-1 at bottom club Gombe United.
Kwara are in 15th position now with 36 points.
Akwa United improved their survival hopes after they trounced visiting Niger Tornadoes 4-1 to stay in 18th place.
Experienced campaigner Ubong Friday smashed a hat-trick for Akwa United.
NPFL Week 30 Results:
Enugu Rangers 3 Abia Warriors 2
Gombe United 1 Kwara United 2
Enyimba 1 Heartland 0
Bayelsa United 1 Katsina United 1
Bendel Insurance 2 Kano Pillars 1
Sporting Lagos 1 Sunshine Stars 0
Rivers United 3 Plateau United 1
