Enyimba returned to winning ways on Sunday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over rivals Rangers International in the Oriental Derby, ending a four-match winless streak in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the NPFL Matchday 15 clash in Aba, the eight-time champions, without a win since their 2–0 triumph over Kano Pillars in early November, finally broke the drought against the reigning 2024 champions.

Chidera Michael opened the scoring in the 42nd minute to give the People’s Elephant a deserved lead. Super-sub Stanley Dimgba then doubled the advantage, continuing his impact off the bench after scoring in similar fashion against Katsina United last week.

Rangers pulled one back deep into stoppage time through a superb free-kick from Kenechukwu Agu, but the late strike wasn’t enough to salvage a point.

The victory, Enyimba’s first under interim head coach Lawrence Ukaegbu, lifts them to 8th on the log, while Rangers drop to 7th, still two points above their rivals.

Elsewhere in Lagos, Ikorodu City battled to a narrow 1–0 win over Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, courtesy of a 69th-minute strike from Chidera Oparaocha, who pounced on a mistake by goalkeeper Okiemute Odah.

In Ibadan, Ayodele Ismail’s lone strike sealed a 1–0 victory for Shooting Stars over Elkanemi Warriors. Warri Wolves also secured a 1–0 win in Ozoro with Othuke Egho, providing the decisive goal.

In Owerri, Kun Khalifat defeated Plateau United 2–0 with goals from Lekan Gabriel and Henry Ezeonye.

Kano delivered a five-goal thriller as Barau FC edged Kwara United 3–2. Usman Maidubuji struck first before Chibuzor Ezeh equalised for the visitors. Mohammed Umar restored Barau’s lead, only for Johnmark Aule to level again. Despite a penalty save from Nurudeen Badmus, Barau snatched a late winner through Stanley Oganbor in stoppage time.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United were held to a 1–1 draw by Katsina United. Ifeanyi Ogba scored from the spot early on, but Azeez Falolu struck back to earn the visitors a share of the points.