Enugu Rangers Climb To Third After Convincing Win Over Kano Pillars In NPFL

Enugu Rangers continued their impressive revival in the 2025-2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars on matchday 24, pushing themselves into third place on the league table and increasing the pressure on their struggling opponents.

The Flying Antelopes took control early at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with Emmanuel Essien firing home in the 11th minute to set the tone for the afternoon. Rangers doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Mukhtar Mohammed inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute.

The result marked Rangers’ third win in five matches and their 11th win of the campaign. Under the guidance of Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team have now lost just once in their last 10 league games, a narrow 2-1 away defeat to Plateau United last week.

After a slow and unconvincing start to the season, Rangers have gathered momentum and now sit on 39 points, only two behind the summit. League leaders Rivers United could widen that gap, however, with three games still in hand.

Kano Pillars, meanwhile, remain rooted in relegation trouble. The defeat leaves them 18th on the NPFL table after 24 matches, following an inconsistent spell that has seen them win only two of their last five fixtures.

Elsewhere, second-placed Nasarawa United narrowly avoided defeat in Bauchi, settling for a 1-1 draw against Wikki Tourists. Victor Chimezie gave the visitors the lead in the 29th minute, but Jonathan Mairiga responded for the hosts six minutes later.

Wikki Tourists had a golden chance to claim all three points, but Ibrahim Shuaibu failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 54th minute.

Nine-time champions Enyimba also returned to winning ways with their first victory of the year, edging Bayelsa United 1–0 thanks to an 81st-minute strike from Samuel Agu.

In Minna, Bendel Insurance appeared on course for a comfortable away win after Nnamdi Anthony scored in the second minute and Chinedu Nwosu added a second in the 38th. Niger Tornadoes fought back, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu pulling one back in the 60th minute before Rickson Mendos grabbed a late equaliser to secure a share of the points.

Four more NPFL fixtures are scheduled for today. El Kanemi Warriors will host newcomers Kun Khalifat, Ikorodu City will travel to Kano to face Barau FC, Kwara United welcome Warri Wolves in Ilorin, and Remo Stars will take on Plateau United.

At the top of the standings, Rivers United lead with 41 points from 21 matches, followed closely by Nasarawa United on 40 points and Enugu Rangers on 39, setting up an increasingly tense title race.