Enugu Rangers maintained their position at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after defeating Oriental rivals Abia Warriors 3-1 in an entertaining derby at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings for large spells and deservedly secured maximum points against their South-East rivals.
Godwin Ibaje opened the scoring for Rangers in the 37th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half.
The goal was another landmark for the veteran striker, who reached 101 NPFL goals just days after registering his 100th league goal.
Abia Warriors briefly threatened a comeback when Emeka Obioma converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit.
Rangers, however, held firm and eventually sealed the victory in added time when Akorede Daniel restored their two-goal advantage to give the Flying Antelopes a convincing derby triumph.
Elsewhere, Enyimba recorded their second victory of the campaign with a 2-0 home win over 10-man Plateau United.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Richard Ezinna scored in either half as the Aba-based side moved up to 15th on the table following their difficult start to the season.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United defeated Ikorodu City 2-0 to maintain their dominance over the Oga Boys.
Samson Oladipo and Chinemerem Ugwueze scored in the first half as Rivers United secured all three points in front of their home supporters.
Bendel Insurance also produced one of the biggest results of the matchday, ending Barau FC’s unbeaten start to the season with a resounding 4-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars remain without a win in their last three matches after playing out a goalless draw with Nasarawa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
NPFL Matchday 7 Results
Kano Pillars 1-1 Sporting Lagos
Doma United 1-0 Warri Wolves
Shooting Stars 0-0 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 4-1 Barau FC
Rivers United 2-0 Ikorodu City
Kwara United 2-1 Ranchers Bees
Inter Lagos 1-1 Katsina United
Enyimba 2-0 Plateau United
Rangers Int’l FC 3-1 Abia Warriors
Clarify the 101-goal milestone
Tighten the match reports
Standardise the matchday list
