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2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Oputa’s Stoppage-Time Strike Rescues Rangers Against Katsina United

Posted : 31 August 2026

Defending champions Rangers International of Enugu staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Katsina United in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday.

The encounter, played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, appeared to be slipping away from Rangers after Katsina United took an early advantage and defended resolutely for much of the match.

Luis Dadong broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, putting Katsina United ahead and giving the visitors a platform to pursue maximum points.

Rangers struggled to find a response as Katsina United maintained their defensive organisation and protected their lead through the second half.

With the final whistle approaching, however, the defending champions intensified their pressure in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence finally paid off in the seventh minute of added time when Chibueze Oputa converted a free kick from the centre of the field.

The goal followed an error by the Katsina United goalkeeper and sparked loud celebrations among the spectators as Rangers dramatically salvaged a point.

Katsina United had looked set to complete an impressive opening-day victory after holding their advantage for more than an hour, but Rangers’ late surge ensured the points were shared.

The draw gives Rangers a point from their first match as defending champions and provides Katsina United with a reminder of how costly a lapse in concentration can be in the closing stages.

Rangers will now turn their attention to their next NPFL fixture as they begin the defence of the title they won last season.

 

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