Enugu Rangers moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after edging Bendel Insurance 1-0 in their rescheduled matchday nine encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Wednesday.
The Flying Antelopes secured the decisive three points to take their tally to 21 from 10 matches, moving above Rivers United, who had occupied the summit before the encounter with 18 points from 11 games.
Rangers went into the fixture knowing a victory would take them top, having been second on goal difference despite being level on 18 points with Rivers United and Bendel Insurance.
The encounter had initially been scheduled for 18 October but was postponed to allow Rangers to concentrate on their CAF Champions League campaign.
The Enugu side’s domestic assignment came after a mixed run of results, including a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in their previous league outing on 1 November.
That result had left the title race finely poised, with Rangers needing a response to strengthen their position among the early contenders.
Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, arrived in Enugu with confidence after consecutive league victories over Rivers United and Kwara United, but could not extend that run against the former champions.
The defeat leaves the Benin-based side on 18 points, while Rangers’ victory gives them a three-point advantage over their opponents and places them firmly at the top of the standings.
Rangers will now turn their attention to Sunday’s home fixture against Kwara United as they seek to consolidate their position, while Bendel Insurance host Niger Tornadoes.
