Enugu, Nigeria – The highly-anticipated Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day 35 showdown between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba took a chaotic turn on Sunday, leading to an abrupt abandonment of the game during stoppage time due to a pitch invasion by fans, The PUNCH reports.
The drama unfolded as the match, held at the iconic Cathedral stadium, remained goalless deep into added time. The tension reached its peak when centre referee John Ojeleye awarded a penalty to the home side, Enugu Rangers. This decision sparked outrage among the away fans, who invaded the pitch in protest, causing the match to be abandoned.
Broadcast live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244, the match lived up to its pre-match hype, attracting a large crowd eager to witness the potential title decider. Both teams, unable to break each other’s defences throughout the match, found themselves in a stalemate until the controversial penalty decision.
With the title race hanging in the balance, the abandoned match leaves Enugu Rangers still leading with 62 points, closely followed by Enyimba with 60 points. The league board’s decision on the match's outcome will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the final three rounds of the season.
Title Race and Relegation Battles Intensify
Earlier in the day, third-placed Remo Stars faced a setback in their title ambitions, suffering a 3-2 defeat against Lobi Stars in Lafia. This loss leaves Remo Stars three points behind leaders Enugu Rangers, further complicating their title chase.
The relegation battle remains just as intense as the title race. In Yenagoa, Jonathan Alukwu’s second-half brace for Sporting Lagos wasn’t enough to secure a win as Bayelsa United's Bassey John also scored twice, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Both teams are precariously positioned with 43 points each, with Bayelsa inside the relegation zone and Sporting Lagos just above it.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars climbed out of relegation trouble with a crucial 2-0 victory over Akwa United in Akure, thanks to goals from Lucky Nwafor and Yusuf Ibrahim. This result leaves Akwa United just above the relegation zone, tied with 43 points as well.
In Owerri, Heartland, reduced to 10 men, managed a 3-1 win over Doma United. Despite the victory, Heartland remains in 19th position, while Doma United stays rooted in the relegation zone, both teams with 43 points.
The NPFL continues to deliver high-stakes drama, with every matchday proving pivotal in the battle for the title and the fight against relegation. Fans and teams alike are bracing for an exhilarating conclusion to the season.
Source: Punchng.com
