Rangers title hopes in flames

When an aspiring champion loses three games in a row it’s dreams precariously hang in a balance!

And so it has been for Rangers International’s dream of winning the NPL title for the first close to three decades as their hopes went in flames at the Katsina-Ala stadium yesterday when two goals in both halves by Tony Okpotu and one from John Abutu destroyed their title ambitions and put Lobi Stars and Kano Pillars in the driver’s seat.

Okpotu opened scoring for Lobi in the early minutes of the game before John Abutu added to it in the 18th minutes move the home side close to its second league title.

Coach Okey Emordi led Enugu Rangers made several attempts to restore parity but couldn’t as Okpotu compounded their woes when he fired in his second of the night in the 66 minutes sending the Katsina Ala fans into ecstasy.

The takes Lobi Stars to second position on the log with 63 points from 37 games and a +14 goals difference while Rangers remain third with 61 points  and a +20 goals difference.

It will take a miracle for the Flying Antelopes to win the title except both Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars lose their games away to Sunshine Stars and Kaduna United and Rangers win their last match at home!

Other Week 37 Results

Sharks FC 2-3 Wikki Tourists

Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Enyimba Int’l

Akwa Utd 0-1 Kano Pillars

Niger Tornadoes 4-0 Dolphins

Warri Wolves 1-0 3SC

Heartland FC 2-1 Gombe Utd

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kwara Utd

Today’s Fixtures

Ocean Boys vs Rising Stars

ABS V Kaduna Utd