NPFL: Rangers deny Ikorodu dream home debut as Enyimba extend dominance over Lobi in Aba

Rangers International and Enyimba FC came off their continental football involvement on Sunday to secure victories in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday two fixtures on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

After their disappointing CAF Champions League (CAFCL) exit, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Rangers grabbed their first win of the season against newly promoted Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

The spotlight was on Ikorodu City as they hosted their first-ever NPFL home game, but it was Rangers who took the lead 25 minutes in, with captain Chinemerem Ugwueze converting a Kazeem Ogunleye corner.

The Oga Boys pushed for an equaliser, but Rangers’s defense held firm to seal all three points and leave Ikorodu still in search of their first NPFL win.

In Aba, Enyimba extended their dominance over Lobi Stars, maintaining their unbeaten home record against the Ortom Boys in 18 NPFL encounters.

Chinedu Ufere opened the scoring for the People’s Elephants in the 13th minute, before Eze Ekwutoziam added a second from the penalty spot just three minutes later.

Lobi’s Waheed Adebayo pulled one back, but it wasn’t enough for a comeback, as Enyimba held on for a 2-1 home victory.

The victory extended Enyimba’s home record against Lobi to 12 wins and six draws in 18 fixtures in the NPFL era.

The People’s Elephants will next face Rivers United in an away fixture on Sunday, where they’ll come up against their former manager Finidi George.