NPFL : Enyimba  bounce back with  Oriental Derby’s  win  as Ikorodu City go top

Enyimba marked the beginning of the impending takeover of new head coach, Ayodeji Ayeni with a spirited 2-1 victory over Rangers International in the Oriental Derby, headlining a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 15 round of fixtures.

The People’s Elephant, winless since early November, finally ended their four-game drought at the Enyimba Stadium. Chidera Michael broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute before substitute Stanley Dimgba—continuing his super-sub form after scoring last weekend—doubled the advantage. Rangers’ Kenechukwu Agu curled in a brilliant stoppage-time free-kick, but Enyimba held on.

The victory, their first under interim boss Lawrence Ukaegbu, lifts Enyimba to ninth on 20 points, while Rangers drop to seventh, but with two more points better than the People’s Elephant.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City climbed to the summit of the NPFL with 27 points after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Chidera Oparaocha punished goalkeeper Okiemute Odah’s error in the 69th minute to seal the points for the Oga Boys.

Kun Khalifat also grabbed the spotlight with a crucial 2-0 win over Plateau United in Owerri. Goals from Lekan Gabriel and Henry Ezeonye secured their first victory in five games—an important result that lifted them out of the relegation zone with 17 points from 15 matches.

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars edged Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Ayodele Ismail’s strike, while Warri Wolves also claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in Ozoro through Othuke Egho.

Kano hosted the most dramatic fixture of the weekend as Barau FC defeated Kwara United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Usman Maidubuji and Mohammed Umar scored for Barau, while Chibuzor Ezeh and Johnmark Aule replied for Kwara United. Despite goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus saving a penalty, Kwara succumbed to a late winner from Stanley Oganbor in stoppage time.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Katsina United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Ifeanyi Ogba converted an early penalty for Bayelsa before Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina United.

Saturday’s fixtures saw Remo Stars fall 1-0 to Niger Tornadoes, while Bendel Insurance continued their resurgence under Kennedy Boboye with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wikki Tourists, moving the Edo Arsenal to 17th place on 16 points.

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