Enugu Rangers have moved to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in their rescheduled Matchday Nine encounter.
The Flying Antelopes claimed all three points at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Wednesday, November 4, to take their points tally to 21 from 10 matches.
The victory pushed Rangers above Rivers United, who had occupied the top position with 18 points from 11 games before the encounter.
Rangers entered the match knowing that a win would send them to the top of the standings. The Enugu club had been level on 18 points with Rivers United and Bendel Insurance but sat behind on goal difference.
Rangers Take Advantage of Rescheduled NPFL Fixture
The fixture was originally scheduled for October 18 but the league postponed it to allow Rangers to focus on their CAF Champions League campaign.
The Flying Antelopes returned to domestic action after a mixed run of results, including a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in their previous league match on November 1.
That result left the race for the NPFL summit tightly contested, with Rangers needing three points to strengthen their title challenge.
Wednesday’s victory provided the response the former champions wanted and gave them sole possession of first place.
Bendel Insurance Lose Ground in Title Race
Bendel Insurance arrived in Enugu hoping to extend their winning run after recording consecutive league victories over Rivers United and Kwara United.
However, the Benin-based club failed to maintain that momentum against Rangers.
The defeat leaves Insurance on 18 points, three behind the new league leaders.
Rangers now have an opportunity to strengthen their position when they welcome Kwara United to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance will seek to return to winning ways when they host Niger Tornadoes.
With the league campaign still developing, Rangers will be eager to maintain their momentum and hold on to the NPFL summit.