Enugu Rangers emphatically ended Bayelsa United’s weekend with a 4-1 demolition at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday, while Remo Stars relied on Victor Mbaoma’s heroics to grab a 2-1 victory over Enyimba in a pulsating NPFL matchday 16, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers dominated from the outset, with Chidozie Iwundu opening the scoring in the 10th minute and doubling the advantage seven minutes later.
Kenechukwu Agu added a third in the 33rd minute before Chimobi Igwilo made it 4-0.
Bayelsa United’s solitary reply came through Issah Yusuf in the 22nd minute, but it did little to stem the flow of Rangers’ attack, who now sit fourth on 25 points after 16 games.
In Abeokuta, Remo Stars’ captain Mbaoma was the difference against a resilient Enyimba side.
The striker glanced home a low cross from Chigozie Chilekwu in the third minute to give the hosts an early lead against his former side.
The Peoples’ Elephant drew level in the 32nd minute through Edidiong, following Chidera’s marauding run down the flank.
Just before half-time, Mbaoma headed home a Haruna Hadi free-kick to restore Remo’s advantage, and the visitors could not find another equaliser despite several chances.
Mbaoma’s impact was so significant that he was substituted late in the second half to a standing ovation as Adam Goita replaced him.
Elsewhere, Kwara United beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 at home thanks to Bright Babatunde’s 15th-minute opener and an own goal in the 37th minute.
Kano Pillars edged Kun Khalifat 2-1 in Kano with Rabiu Ali netting twice, including a penalty, while Plateau United secured a narrow 1-0 win over Warri Wolves courtesy of an own goal.
Both Plateau and Wolves saw red cards late in the game as Vincent Temitope and Gift David were dismissed in the 86th minute.
Abia Warriors and Rivers United shared spoils in a 1-1 draw, with Suraju Lawal scoring deep into stoppage time.
Wikki Tourist held league leaders Ikorodu City to a goalless draw, and El-Kanemi Warriors and Barau also played out a 0-0 stalemate.
With the weekend’s results, the Oga Boys lead the league on 28 points, while Nasarawa and Rivers United are second and third with 27 points each.
Defending champions Remo move to ninth with 22 points, and Bayelsa United drop to 14th on 20 points.
Rangers maintain fourth place on 25 points, closing the gap on the top three.
The league resumes on Monday (today) with Katsina United facing Bendel Insurance, and Nasarawa against Shooting Stars to complete matchday 16.
Matchday 17 actions include Insurance hosting Rangers, Barau against Shooting, Bayelsa versus Remo Stars, and Enyimba welcoming Kwara United among other fixtures scheduled between 13 and 14 December.
Rivers United are also set to complete their outstanding games against Plateau United on Wednesday in Plateau and travel to Kano on 18 December to face Barau in a rescheduled round five fixture.
