NPFL: Rangers stumble again as Barau FC hold firm
Rangers International’s title charge took another hit on Sunday as the Flying Antelopes were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a resilient Barau FC in a Matchday 33 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Still reeling from their defeat to Shooting Stars in their previous outing, Rangers returned to the Cathedral desperate for a response. But the visitors, known as the Maliya Boys, arrived with grit and discipline, standing firm to blunt the hosts’ attacking intent and, in the process, deal a blow to their title ambitions.
There was early hope for the Enugu faithful when Rangers appeared to have forced the opener from a corner, only for celebrations to be cut short by the referee’s whistle for an infringement in the box. It set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Despite sustained pressure and attacking urgency, Barau FC held their shape, with goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha producing a string of crucial saves, backed by resolute defending to earn a hard-fought point on the road.
Elsewhere, drama unfolded across the league.
In Lafia, Kun Khalifat boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United. Otu Stanley emerged the hero, striking deep into stoppage time to seal a vital away win their first in four league matches.
Defending champions, Remo Stars secured bragging rights in the South West derby, edging Shooting Stars 1-0 in Ikenne. The visitors endured a frustrating outing, with two goals ruled out for offside, before Samuel Anakwe’s 49th-minute effort proved decisive for the hosts.
Kano Pillars and Kwara United delivered statement victories in emphatic fashion. Sai Masu Gida ran riot with a 4-0 thrashing of Bendel Insurance, courtesy of goals from Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu, and Bernard Ovoke. Kwara United were equally dominant, cruising to a 3-0 win over Elkanemi Warriors, with Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed, and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam all getting on the scoresheet.
At the other end of the table, Rivers United’s grip at the summit loosened after a 2-0 defeat to Warri Wolves in Ozoro. Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma and Othuke Egbo handed the Seasiders a crucial win, shaking up the title picture. Katsina United also claimed a slim 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes, with Elijah Akanni’s second-half strike proving the difference.
The Matchday 33 action wraps up on Monday, as Abia Warriors host Bayelsa United in Aba, while Plateau United face a stern test against continental hopefuls Ikorodu City in Lafia.
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