NPFL: Rangers, Rivers United Face Tricky Away Tests In Kano, Aba

Joint leaders Enugu Rangers and Rivers United face potentially difficult away assignments on Sunday as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters Matchday Eight, with the former travelling to Kano to face Barau FC and the latter visiting Abia Warriors in Aba.

All seven fixtures scheduled for Sunday are billed for 4pm, with the two leading sides seeking victories to maintain their early-season momentum.

Rangers occupy the summit with 16 points from seven matches, while Rivers United are one point behind on 15. Both sides recorded victories last weekend, but their next opponents will be eager to halt their progress.

Rangers travel to the Sani Abacha Stadium to face a Barau side seeking an immediate response after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

The Kano-based newcomers were beaten 4-1 by Bendel Insurance in Benin City last weekend, a result that ended their unbeaten start and left them on 12 points.

However, Barau will have the opportunity to respond in front of their home supporters against a Rangers side that has won its last two league matches.

The defending champions defeated Abia Warriors 3-1 in their previous outing, with Godwin Obaje and Chidiebere Nwobodo among the scorers, as the Enugu side strengthened its position at the top of the table.

Rangers will be keen to maintain that form, but Barau’s determination to recover from their heavy defeat could make the encounter a demanding test for the visitors.

Rivers United face Abia Warriors challenge

Rivers United, meanwhile, travel to Aba to take on Abia Warriors at the Enyimba Stadium, aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

The Port Harcourt club defeated Ikorodu City 2-0 last weekend, with Samson Olasupo and Chinemerem Ugwueze finding the net to keep them within touching distance of Rangers.

Their consistency has made them one of the early pace-setters, but Abia Warriors will be determined to make home advantage count after losing 3-1 to Rangers in their last league outing.

The Umuahia-based side will need a strong response to prevent the visitors from consolidating their position near the top of the standings.

A victory for Rivers United would put further pressure on Rangers, while a positive result for Abia Warriors could provide a timely boost to their campaign.

Other Matchday Eight fixtures

Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat will host Shooting Stars in a contest between two sides looking to improve their positions in the standings.

Shooting Stars were held to a goalless draw by Nasarawa United last weekend and will be seeking a more productive outing against Kun Khalifat, who lost 1-0 to Niger Tornadoes.

Nasarawa United will welcome Doma United, with both teams hoping to collect valuable points. Doma United edged Warri Wolves 1-0 in their previous match, while Nasarawa were unable to find a breakthrough against Shooting Stars.

Plateau United will host Kano Pillars in another important fixture, with both sides looking to build momentum after contrasting results last weekend. Plateau lost 2-0 away to Enyimba, while Kano Pillars drew 0-0 with Shooting Stars in a rescheduled fixture.

Sporting Lagos will entertain Bendel Insurance, who arrive with confidence following their emphatic 4-1 victory over Barau FC. Sporting Lagos will need a strong performance against a Benin side that has moved into contention among the leading teams.

Warri Wolves will also be at home against Inter Lagos as both clubs seek points to improve their standing. Warri Wolves lost 1-0 to Doma United in their previous league outing, while Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Katsina United.

With the top positions still closely contested, Sunday’s fixtures could have a significant bearing on the early standings, particularly for Rangers and Rivers United as they attempt to sustain their title challenge.