Rangers rise to top spot

A gleeful and jam-packed Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu watched for the first time in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as Rangers International eased 2-1 over visiting Nasarawa United in the ground's first night match.

Bobby Clement back from his three-match ban nodded the Flying Antelopes in front before Obinna Nwobodo lobbed Danladi Umar for the second. Nasarawa United defender Seun Sogbeso pulled one back for the visitors late in the game but the home side expertly ensured it was merely a consolation.

It was breathless start by both teams such that before a quarter of an hour had gone, scores should have been 2-2. Chisom Egbuchulam who has netted six times already this season made a marauding drive towards the Nasarawa United goal but he flashed his effort wide. The visitors took the cue and made their own forays toward the opposite goalkeeper. With Okey Odita on the bench, the Orji Kalu and Camara Azeez centre-back pairing looked severely bereft of confidence.

A poorly headed clearance fell kindly for the visitors to pounce but the required finish was missing. Moments later, Camara Azeez cleared off the line when Emmanuel Daniel spilled a ball in the area. Egbuchulam responded at the other end agonizingly firing his effort over the target. The creative heads were having a field day scheming as either team sought an opener, both defences were scrambling to plug in the gaps constantly opening with every attacking move while the fans kept pouring in in their numbers.

It was the visitors defence however that blinked first in the 23rd minute after Chisom Egbuchulam had seen his goal bound strike hit a obstacle and flying out of touch for a corner kick. The delivery was good and the Solid Miners criminally ignored the tallest opponent on the pitch. Bobby Clement's firm header fetched the breakthrough. Zenke Thomas had a chance to level minutes later but he volleyed off target when it did look easier to hit the target. Rangers would threaten again just before the interval with Obinna Nwobodo sweeping wide a free-flowing Rangers attack.

The visitors looked inspired after the interval but could do very little to harm their hosts. The wind was however taken off their sails when Obinna Nwobodo doubled Rangers lead. Sent through courtesy of a brilliant ball from the midfield, the midfielder neatly lobbed the on-rushing Danlami Umar. A third nearly followed when Aguda sent a diagonal ball toward the lively Egbuchulam but he could not connect. The crowd was clearly enjoying themselves and could even afford a Mexican wave as attack after attack surged at the Nasarawa goal.

The visitors had a lifeline when the unconvincing Azeez handled in the area and Seun Sogbeso netted from the spot 14 minutes from time. But rather than pull themselves level, It was Rangers who nearly scored in those closing moments. Bobby Clement's weak strike was saved by Umar. He would get another chance shortly before his withdrawal but his header flew over the target.