NPFL 2023/2024 Season: Matchday 31 Results - Title race blown open as Rangers, Enyimba & Lobi stumble

NPFL leaders Rangers International remain top of the standing.

NPFL 2023/2024 Season: Matchday 31 Results - Title race blown open as Rangers, Enyimba & Lobi stumble

Izuchukwu Akawor 19:05 - 21.04.2024

It was a dramatic matchday 31 in the NPFL with some of the title contenders like Rangers, Enyimba, and Lobi Stars dropping points.

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title race was blown wide open on Matchday 31, with the leading contenders all dropping points in dramatic fashion.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that a total of 14 goals were scored across eight matches, an average of 1.75 goals per match, with Kano Pillars providing the best entertainment on Sunday.

Rangers' Fall in Port Harcourt Defeat

League leaders Rangers International saw their grip on the summit loosen further as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rivers United in Port Harcourt. 

Fidelis Ilechukwu and his Flying Antelopes struggled to contain their hosts, the Pride of Rivers, who proved just too strong.

NPFL leaders Rangers International.

Enyimba Leave It Late to Salvage Point

Defending champions Enyimba had to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Sunshine Stars in Akure. 

The Aba Elephants' title charge has stalled in recent weeks but Chidiebere Nnachi was a hero as his 71st-minute goal forced a share of the spoils against the Owena Whales.

Enyimba with back-to-back wins in the NPFL.
Enyimba salvaged a point away. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Lobi Frustrated by Bendel Insurance

Lobi Stars missed the chance to go top after being held to a 0-0 stalemate by Amas Obasogie's impressive Bendel Insurance side in Lafia.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Obasagie delivered a goalkeeping masterclass as he proved a bulwark against the motivated Pride of Benue. 

Amas Obasogie, Bendel Insurance goalkeeper is back to keeping clean sheets.
Amas Obasogie, Bendel Insurance goalkeeper is back to keeping clean sheets. || Credit: X

Pillars Fire Warning Shot with Gombe Demolition

While the frontrunners faltered, Kano Pillars sent out a title warning with a thumping 4-0 victory over Gombe United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

NPFL legend Rabiu Ali.
NPFL legend Rabiu Ali. (Photo Credit: Mighty George/X)

Umar Shehu and club and League legend, Rabiu Ali, were the heroes for Pillars after the netted a brace each. 

Sporting Lagos' Biffo Era Begins with Defeat

New Sporting Lagos boss Abdullahi Biffo had a disappointing start to life at the relegation-threatened club, with his side falling 2-0 to his former employers Katsina United.

Coach Paul Offor has paid the price for Sporting Lagos poor form but the club remains without a win away. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos/X)

Biffo replaced former manager Paul Offor but the appointment failed to inspire the Tech Boys in Dutse against Biffo’s former employers.

Other Key Results

  • Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Doma United
  • Plateau United 1-0 Remo Stars
  • Kwara United 1-0 Akwa United
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With the title race delicately poised, the upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal in deciding the destination of the NPFL crown.

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