Barau FC climb to NPFL top after 2-0 Abia Warriors win as Rangers pressure second

For Nigerian football fans tracking the NPFL, this early jostling for position sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive season - especially after last year's tight finish. Barau FC climbed to the top of the NPFL standings earlier today after a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors pushed them to 11 points from five matches. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the lead just after the hour mark for the Maliya Boys.

Defending champions Rangers answered with a 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees to move into second place, keeping the title race alive just five games into the season. Elsewhere, Shooting Stars secured a 2-0 win over Katsina United at Ibadan's Lekan Salami Stadium.

Barau's strong start shows they're genuine early title contenders, while Rangers' grind-it-out win reminds everyone why they're the defending champs. With traditional powers like Enyimba suffering unexpected losses, the race for the top four is wide open this season.

As the league continues, will Barau maintain this momentum when their next fixture comes around, or will Rangers' experience prove decisive in the long haul? Fans should watch how both teams handle their upcoming matches - the real test of their title credentials begins now.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/23/npfl-barau-fc-move-top-as-rangers-win-at-home/