NPFL Matchday 12: Rangers eye lead as Pillars drop points, eight fixtures today
Kano Pillars' four-match unbeaten run ended Friday with a 1-1 draw at Kun Khalifat in Owerri, leaving them on 19 points from 12 games. Substitute Sikiru Alimi fired Pillars ahead in the 76th minute, but a late equaliser denied them a first away win. The result keeps the title race wide open.
Rangers International sit top with 21 points from just 10 matches after Wednesday's controversial 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance. They host struggling Kwara United at Awka Township Stadium today (Sunday) looking to extend their three-point cushion. Bendel Insurance, still in contention, welcome Niger Tornadoes to Benin City's Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. In Kano, Barau FC host Shooting Stars at Sani Abacha Stadium after the Oluyole Warriors' 4-1 thrashing of Abia Warriors. Nasarawa United (17 points) face Plateau United (16) at Lafia City Stadium in a tight top-half clash.
Other Sunday fixtures: Warri Wolves host Katsina United at Southern Delta University Stadium; Abia Warriors, bottom on 10 points, desperately need a response against Doma United at Enyimba Stadium, Aba; Ranchers Bees welcome Enyimba to Bako Kontagora Stadium. Monday brings the Lagos derby—Ikorodu City host Inter Lagos at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. Rivers United's match against Sporting Lagos was postponed, giving rivals a chance to close the gap.
With Rangers having played fewer games than rivals, today's results could reshape the early standings. If you follow a specific club, which fixture carries the most weight for your team's season trajectory?