NPFL: Rangers Hold Enyimba in ‘Oriental Derby’ in Aba

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Champions Enugu Rangers International FC picked a vital point on the road in Aba yesterday as they held hosts Enyimba to a goalless draw in the NPFL Match-day 15 fixture.

Enyimba enjoyed more of the ball possession (60%) and played nine corners to Rangers’ none, but they still not find their way to goal in front of their fans in Aba.

The draw meant that defending champions Rangers are fourth in the standings on 24 points from 15 matches, five points behind leaders Rivers United.

Enyimba are sixth on 21 points having played 13 games.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, has congratulated the 30 players called to camp by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to face Ghana in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen invited the 30 players to camp as part of preparations to ensure the qualification of the Super Eagles B for next year’s African Nations Championship finals.

The championship is reserved exclusively for footballers who play with clubs in their country’s domestic Leagues and possessing standard contracts. It is scheduled to hold in February 2025 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Elegbeleye reminded the invited players that they are the ambassadors of the NPFL and must play at their best to re-establish Nigeria’s place in continental football.

“As the best of the NPFL, you are expected to give a very good account by not only going past the qualifiers but also contesting for the title at the finals”, the NPFL Chairman charged the team which has veteran Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars on the list.

Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is joined by Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors’ exciting forward Sunday Megwo.

There are also Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers’ midfield ace Kazeem Ogunleye and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

Victor Collins, the Nasarawa United defender called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar, are also called up.