Enugu Rangers’ bid to defend their 2024 title suffered a serious setback yesterday after they lost 0-1 to arch rivals 3SC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 18 match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.
The shocking defeat is the second home loss for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ in the ongoing season after Kano Pillars stunned them 4-3 in week seven at the ‘cathedral.’
While the crucial away win has lifted 3SC to third position in the table with 30 points, the title holders have slipped to the fourth position with 28 points.
Nigerian international, Ikouwem Udo’s goal in the 28th minute was all that 3SC needed to clinch the maximum points against the hosts.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars benefitted from Jabbar Malik’s brace against Bayelsa United to return to the top of the table even as Rivers United forced Nasarawa United to a 1-1 draw in Lafia.
While both Remo Stars and Rivers United have 33 points each, the former is leading the log on superior goal difference of +10.
In another week 18 match played yesterday in Umuahia, Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 win over resurgent Ikorodu City.
Two first half goals by Ijoma Antoine Desouza who opened the scoring in the 10th minute and Sunday Megwo’s goal in the second minute of first half stoppage time made the difference for the warriors.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, relegation-threatened Nasarawa United surrendered a 14th minute lead handed them by John Joshua to share the spoils with title contenders Rivers United.
Kabiru Abdullahi was the hero for Rivers United after he drew them level from the spot in the 50th minute.
Kwara United also laboured to a 1-0 win over Katsina United in Ilorin. Adeshina Issa Gatta scored the winner from the spot in the 85th minute.
In the week 18 matches played on Saturday, Bendel Insurance eased their relegation worries with a slim 1-0 win over hard-fighting Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars edged El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 in Ijebu Ode while Pillars piped Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano.
The remaining week 18 matches will be played today and Thursday in Uyo and Jos where Akwa United and Plateau United host Heartland and Enyimba respectively.
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