Rangers Extend NPFL Lead as Bendel Insurance and Barau Secure Wins
Matchday 12 action sees Rangers maintain top spot while rivals chase in tight standings.
1Rangers Maintain League Dominance
Rangers International solidified their position at the top of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League table. A narrow 1-0 victory against Kwara United at the Awka Township Stadium pushed their total to 24 points from 11 matches. Victor Chimezie scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, ensuring the team remains three points clear.
2Bendel Insurance Secures Comeback
Bendel Insurance kept pace with the leaders by securing a 2-1 home victory over Niger Tornadoes. Despite trailing after a 36th-minute penalty by Aliyu Mohammed, the Benin Arsenal responded effectively. Jonathan Mairiga equalized in first-half stoppage time, and John Taiwo netted the winner in the 90th minute, bringing their total to 21 points.
3Barau FC Capitalizes at Home
Barau FC utilized home advantage at the Sani Abacha Stadium to defeat Shooting Stars 1-0. The match was decided early when Olakunle Akala scored an own goal in the ninth minute. This result moved the Kano-based side to 19 points, placing them level with Kano Pillars, though they remain behind on goal difference.
4Enyimba Struggles in Minna
Enyimba faced another setback after a 1-0 defeat to Ranchers Bees at the Bako Kontagora Stadium. Chiedozie Jude Okorie scored the only goal in the 42nd minute to secure points for the hosts. Enyimba now sits on 11 points after 12 outings, reflecting a difficult campaign for the historically successful club in this season.
5Competitive Draws Across Fixtures
Abia Warriors and Doma United played to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining contest at the Enyimba Stadium. Emeka Obioma scored twice for the hosts, but Doma United maintained parity throughout. Elsewhere, Warri Wolves and Katsina United finished 1-1, while Kano Pillars and Kun Khalifat also shared the points after a late penalty.
6League Table and Deductions
The current standings show Rangers leading with 24 points, followed by Bendel Insurance with 21 and Nasarawa United with 20. Several clubs, including Inter Lagos and Warri Wolves, have faced three-point and three-goal deductions due to infractions. Inter Lagos currently sits at the bottom of the table with only three points from 11 matches.
7Upcoming Matchday 12 Schedule
The Matchday 12 programme continues this Monday with a Lagos derby between Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Meanwhile, the fixture between Sporting Lagos and Rivers United has been postponed. This leaves Rivers United with a game in hand as they currently sit sixth in the league standings.
8Context of NPFL Competition
The Nigeria Premier Football League remains highly competitive as teams fight for the top positions early in the season. With Rangers holding a three-point lead, the pressure remains on chasers like Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United. Consistent performance in home fixtures continues to be a critical factor for teams aiming to climb the table.