2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 35: Rangers Int'l reclaim summit after Oriental Derby win

Posted : 20 April 2026

Rangers International FC of Enugu returned to the summit of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Enyimba International FC in a tense Oriental Derby decided at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Playing behind closed doors due to disciplinary sanctions, the encounter lacked its usual electric atmosphere, and that reflected in a cautious and largely uneventful first half.

Rangers showed more attacking intent but were wasteful in front of goal, leaving both sides deadlocked at the break.

The game sprang to life shortly after the restart when Enyimba stunned the hosts in the 48th minute. Wonah Williams unleashed a long-range effort that beat the goalkeeper, giving the visitors a surprise lead and momentarily silencing the home bench.

Rangers, however, responded with urgency and resilience. Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when defender Chiedozie Iwundu capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to poke home the equalizer.

Buoyed by the leveler, the Flying Antelopes pushed forward and completed the turnaround just seven minutes later.

Another defender, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, rose to the occasion, finishing clinically to hand Rangers a crucial lead in the 68th minute.

Enyimba threw men forward in search of an equalizer, but Rangers held firm defensively to secure maximum points and bragging rights in the derby.

Speaking after the match, Enyimba coach Emmanuel Deutsch admitted his side was second best on the day.

"It was a derby and both teams gave their best, but Rangers deserved the win. Congratulations to them," he said.

Rangers’ Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, acknowledged the impact of the absence of fans but praised his team’s determination.

"Playing without our fans affected us mentally because they are a big part of our motivation. Still, the players stayed focused and got the job done. We take it one game at a time," Ilechukwu noted.

The victory sees Rangers climb back to the top of the NPFL table with 59 points from 35 matches, strengthening their push for the league title, while Enyimba’s struggles deepen as they remain entangled in the relegation battle.

This vital victory cements Rangers International's position as the frontrunners for the league title with only a few matches remaining in the season. While the Flying Antelopes celebrate their return to the top, Enyimba faces a mounting challenge to secure their top-flight status. The result underscores the shifting dynamics of the NPFL as the race for both the trophy and survival intensifies.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 35: Rangers Int'l reclaim summit after Oriental Derby win

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics