Seven-time champions Enugu Rangers are holding on to a slim goal difference league at the top of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League table after falling to a 4-3 defeat against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday.
The match-day 29 encounter opened up to a frenetic start with four goals in the opening 20 minutes.
Midfielder Azeez Falolu opened the floodgates in the seven-goal thriller with his fourth goal of the season for Katsina as early as the fourth minute, but Godwin Obaje responded for the visitors six minutes later.
Michael Ibe restored Katsina United’s lead in the 16th minute, but it took Rangers just two minutes to level up again through Saviour Godwin.
Ibe bagged his brace on the stroke of halftime to give the hosts a 3-2 lead while Andrew Idoko doubled the advantage five minutes after the restart, before Joel Odoh reduced the deficit to 4-3 for Rangers in the 81st minute.
In Lafia, Danbani Alao’s 58th-minute goal was all Lobi Stars needed to secure a 1-0 win over Enyimba and keep the pressure on Rangers in second place.
Niger Tornadoes continued with their impressive goal-scoring form as they hit relegation-threatened Gombe United 5-0 in Kaduna, while Heartland also won for the first time in four matches beating Sporting Lagos 3-1 in Owerri.
Kwara United needed a penalty from Isiah Ejeh to secure a 1-1 draw at home against Bendel Insurance, who took a first-half lead through Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi.
In Akure, Tunde Adeniji marked his return to Sunshine Stars with a goal, which secured a 1-1 draw against visiting Bayelsa United. The result means Kennedy Boboye’s side remains winless after three matches, just as Bayelsa United continue to swim out of relegation waters.
