NPFL Matchday 7: Rangers lead, Rivers chase, Enyimba revival
Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League pits Rangers International against Abia Warriors in Awka, a South-East derby where Rangers defend a one-point lead over unbeaten Rivers United. Rangers, currently top with 13 points, have been playing home games away from their Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium due to renovation, using venues such as MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, and now Awka Township Stadium. Abia Warriors arrive confident after a 3-0 home win over Bendel Insurance.
Rivers United, with 12 points and three wins, three draws, face Ikorodu City in Lagos, aiming to stay unbeaten and keep pressure on the leaders. Meanwhile, Barau FC, also on 12 points, travel to Bendel Insurance looking to extend their unbeaten start. Enyimba, after a 4-2 victory over Shooting Stars in Aba, host Plateau United at Enyimba Stadium, seeking to prove their win was the start of a revival.
Earlier Saturday, Kano Pillars held Sporting Lagos to a 1-1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium, extending Sporting Lagos’ unbeaten run but ending Kano’s strong home form. Other fixtures include Doma United vs Warri Wolves, Shooting Stars vs Nasarawa United, Kwara United vs Ranchers Bees, Niger Tornadoes vs Kun Khalifat, and Inter Lagos vs Katsina United.
With the table tightly packed, a single weekend could reshape the title race. Will you watch the Awka derby to see if Rangers can handle the pressure, or tune in to Rivers United’s test in Lagos to gauge if the chase continues?