Rangers leapt to the head of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after dispatching Kano Pillars 4-1 at the Akwa City Stadium with Nwaodu Chukwudi turning in a brace separated by six minutes in the second half.
The visitors had shocked the Flying Antelopes, silencing the home fans through Muhammad Yakubu strike in the 11th minute. But Godwin Obaje resorted parity in the 24th minute converting from the spot.
At the restart, Isaac Saviour gave Rangers a goal advantage in the 54th minutes. And three minutes later, Chukwudi began his own show. He struck in the 57th minute, and six minutes later, he completed the rout.
While waiting for the outcome of Rivers United versus Lobi Stars on Sunday, Rangers gained two places to be at No. 1. Only victory by the Makurdi-based visitors in Port Harcourt can upturn their position at the end of MatchDay 5.
Despite having their fixture against Enyimba in Aba postponed to enable the home side return home from their African Football League misadventure in Morocco two days ago, Remo Stars dropped only one spot – from No. 1.
Gombe United had to wait until the 90th minute at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe for Sadiq Shuaibu to convert the only goal of the match. The result against neighbours Plateau United saw Gombe moved from sixth to third spot.
Champions for the first time three seasons ago, Akwa United are having an unpleasant time so far this season. They and promoted Heartland are yet without a win as Bendel Insurance play goalless with the Promise Keepers in Benin City.
All results: Gombe United 1-0 Plateau United, Bendel Insurance 0-0 Akwa United, Rangers 4-1 Kano Pillars
Sunday matches: Katsina United v Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors v Heartland, Rivers United v Lobi Stars, Bayelsa United v Kwara United, Shooting Stars v Doma United (all 4 pm WAT); Sporting Lagos v Niger Tornadoes (6pm); Enyimba v Remo Stars (postponed)
