NPFL Roundup: Enyimba, Katsina United and Enugu Rangers Secure Important Wins on Matchday 34
Matchday 34 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) kicked off in exciting fashion on Saturday, with Enyimba, Katsina United and Enugu Rangers all recording impressive victories.
Enyimba edge Kano Pillars in Aba
At the Enyimba International Stadium, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye made the difference as Enyimba defeated Kano Pillars 2-1.
Joseph Atule opened the scoring for the home side in the 34th minute. Shortly after the second half began, Ideye added a second goal to give Enyimba a comfortable lead.
Pillars were given a chance to get back into the game in the 81st minute through a penalty. Although Enyimba goalkeeper Ani saved the spot-kick, substitute Naibe Akpesiri reacted quickly to score from the rebound.
Despite the late pressure, Enyimba held on for all three points. The win moves them up to seventh place with 49 points, level with Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance but behind on goal difference. Kano Pillars remain in ninth with 47 points.
Katsina United thrash Abia Warriors 5-1
Katsina United put on a dominant display at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, hammering Abia Warriors 5-1 in one of their best performances of the season.
The home side made a fast start with early goals from Mubarak Said and Lukman Bello inside the first five minutes.
Antoine Ijoma gave Abia Warriors some hope with a goal in the 11th minute, but it didn’t last long. Nura Abdulbari made it 3-1 before Bello added his second of the match in the 59th minute. Ahmed Taofeek completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, Abia Warriors stay third with 53 points, but they will be looking over their shoulder as Ikorodu City are just one point behind and have a game in hand. Katsina United now move up to 11th with 44 points.
Enugu Rangers defeat Lobi Stars 4-2
In another entertaining match, Enugu Rangers beat bottom-placed Lobi Stars 4-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The victory lifts the reigning champions to fifth place with 49 points, putting them back in the race for continental qualification.
With just a few matches remaining, the fight for top spots and the battle to avoid relegation are becoming more intense as the 2024/2025 NPFL season draws to a close.
