The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race will go down to the final day after Enugu Rangers and Rivers United both picked up crucial wins on Sunday, while Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United were confirmed relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Enugu Rangers stayed top of the table on 65 points after a 2–1 home win over Bendel Insurance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Former NPFL top scorer Godwin Obaje delivered both goals for the Flying Antelopes, taking his season tally to 14 and placing him at the top of the scoring chart.
Rangers began the game on the front foot, creating early chances through Ifeanyi Assurance and Wisdom Ebirim, but it was Obaje who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when he rose to meet a Daniel Eni free-kick and headed past the Insurance goalkeeper.
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Bendel Insurance responded before halftime. Alex Oweifaleya levelled matters in the 39th minute with a powerful 25-yard free-kick that left the Rangers goalkeeper with no chance.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Chidiebere Nwobodo was brought down in the box, giving Rangers a penalty. Obaje stepped forward and converted calmly, sending Baba the wrong way to complete his brace and secure the win.
At the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers United kept the pressure on Rangers with a 3–2 comeback win over Wikki Tourists. Finidi George’s side fell behind twice but responded each time to complete a vital away victory that keeps them one point behind the leaders on 64 points.
Wikki Tourists took the lead but could not hold on, as Rivers United pushed through in the second half to turn the game around and extend the title race into the final round of matches.
With one match remaining, Rangers will travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City, while Rivers United host Katsina United in Port Harcourt. The two-point gap at the top means the championship is still open.
At the bottom of the table, Wikki Tourists’ defeat confirmed their relegation to the NNL after a difficult season in which they struggled for consistency.
Bayelsa United also dropped out of the top flight following a 2–1 defeat to Remo Stars in Ikenne, sealing their fate before the final matchday.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars continued their push for a continental place with a narrow win over Barau FC, while Kwara United boosted their survival hopes with a victory over Enyimba.
Kano Pillars also strengthened their position with a win against Warri Wolves, as the league continued to produce tight battles across the table.
The final day now carries maximum weight at both ends of the standings, with the title race between Rangers and Rivers United still unresolved and relegation spots already confirmed for Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United.
