By BENSON EZEGWU

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday defeated Kano Pillars 2-0 in a Matchday 24 fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The encounter, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, lived up to expectations as both sides displayed tactical discipline and experience.

Rangers, popularly known as the Flying Antelopes, took the lead in the 12th minute through Emmanuel Essien, who capitalised on a loose ball outside the box to fire home the opening goal.

The goal sparked excitement among the home fans, but in spite of several attempts by both teams, the first half ended with Rangers holding a slim 1-0 advantage.

On resumption of the second half, the home side showed greater determination and attacking intent.

Their pressure paid off when captain Chidiebere Nwobodo embarked on a solo run into the Kano Pillars’ penalty area and released a shot that beat the goalkeeper to double Rangers’ lead.

The goal unsettled the visitors, who made efforts to reduce the deficit, but their attacks were effectively contained by the Rangers defence.

Rangers also pushed for more goals but were let down by poor finishing in the final third.

The victory moved Rangers to 36 points, placing them third on the 20-team league table, while Kano Pillars remained in the relegation zone.

In a post-match interview, Kano Pillars Head Coach, Baba Ganaru, said the defeat was unexpected.

“This is not what we planned.

“We came here hoping to get something, but it did not go our way.

“That is football; my players failed to adhere strictly to our tactical discipline,” he said.

Rangers Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, described the match as a tough encounter.

“Thank God we won. We will continue to work on our scoring ability because every match is important to us,” he said.

Result of other matches are as follows:

Wikki Tourists FC 1-1 Nasarawa United FC

Katsina United FC 2-0 Abia Warriors FC

Enyimba International FC 1-0 Bayelsa United FC

Shooting Stars FC vs Rivers United FC (postponed)

Niger Tornadoes FC 2-2 Bendel Insurance FC

Outstanding Match Day 24 fixtures , to be played on Monday;

Kwara United FC vs Warri Wolves FC

Remo Stars FC vs Plateau United FC

Barau FC vs Ikorodu City FC

El-Kanemi Warriors FC vs Khun khalifat FC. (NAN)