Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has said he will decide on his future at the club after returning from Super Eagles duty at the Unity Cup in London.

Ilechukwu recently guided Rangers to the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League title following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City in Lagos, securing the club’s ninth league crown and moving them level with Enyimba in the NPFL’s all-time honours list.

The coach, who has now won two league titles in three seasons with Rangers, confirmed that his contract has expired and admitted uncertainty over whether he will continue at the club beyond the current campaign.

According to him, discussions will be held with the club hierarchy after his return from international duty, as he weighs up his next career step following a successful but demanding spell in Enugu.

Rangers’ title success was sealed despite pressure from Rivers United, who finished just one point behind after a 3-0 win on the final day.

Rangers International secured their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title after battling to a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes, led by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, started brightly and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Chidiebere Nwobodo.

Nwobodo completed his brace 10 minutes into the second half to hand Rangers firm control of the encounter before Moses Ali reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, Rangers held on to secure all three points and confirm their place as NPFL champions with 68 points from 38 matches.

Rivers United finished the season in second position after a dominant 3-0 victory against Katsina United in Port Harcourt.

Chijioke Mbaoma netted twice for Rivers United, while Aniekeme Okon added the third goal to complete an impressive performance for the Port Harcourt side.

Shooting Stars Sports Club claimed third place and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converted from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime to hand Tornadoes a crucial victory.

Elsewhere, Enyimba FC preserved their top-flight status with a convincing 3-0 home win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Stanley Dimgba scored twice for the People’s Elephant before Uwana Asuquo added a late third goal. The defeat confirmed El-Kanemi Warriors’ relegation to the Nigeria National League.

Plateau United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos, with Victor Dawa scoring the winner deep into stoppage time.

At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa United recorded the biggest victory of the final day after thrashing Kwara United 4-0.

Peter Ebimobiwei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom, and Nneoyi Ofem all found the net for the hosts.

In Kano, Barau FC defeated Nasarawa United 3-0 courtesy of goals from Joseph Atule, Sunday Anthony, and Adamu Hussein.

Final Matchday Results

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Shooting Stars

Enyimba 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Bayelsa United 4-0 Kwara United

Bendel Insurance 1-1 Remo Stars

Ikorodu City 1-2 Rangers

Rivers United 3-0 Katsina United

Warri Wolves 2-1 Abia Warriors

Plateau United 1-0 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-0 Nasarawa United

The Nigeria Football Federation Refereeing Development Committee has suspended referee Yakubu Adamu indefinitely from all league and football-related activities following his performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League clash between Rangers International F.C. and Bendel Insurance F.C., NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

According to the committee, the sanction takes immediate effect after the referee awarded a penalty during the match, which was considered inconsistent with the provisions of the Laws of the Game.

The controversial decision resulted in a goal and was said to have significantly influenced the outcome of the encounter.

The committee further stated that the referee’s actions brought the game into disrepute, leading to the disciplinary action against the match official.

The NFF also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism, fairness, and integrity in football officiating across the country.

Technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has expressed confidence in Rangers International F.C.’s ability to challenge for the Nigeria Premier Football League title, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes currently sit second on the table, just one point behind leaders Rivers United F.C., with eight matches remaining in the season.

Rangers have the chance to go top with a victory over El-Kanemi Warriors F.C. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, while Rivers United will face Nasarawa United F.C. in Lafia.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Ilechukwu insisted his side are not under pressure and will approach the title race one game at a time.

“There is no different message, we don’t want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other,” he said.

The coach added that his players possess the mentality and quality required to go all the way.

“They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready.”

Despite backing his team, Ilechukwu acknowledged the strength of Rivers United, maintaining that the title race remains wide open as the season enters its decisive stage.

“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen. We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure,” he added.

Rivers United closed out the NPFL season on a high, finishing the year top of the league table after a narrow home victory over Rangers International, while Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a commanding win that lifted them out of the relegation zone in their match day 19 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Boluwaji Sholumade’s second-half strike proved decisive as Rivers United edged Rangers 1–0. The forward found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute, a result that ensured Rivers United maintained their grip on first place heading into the new year.

Kano Pillars delivered one of the standout performances of the day, sweeping aside Nasarawa United 3–0. Mustapha Umar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie (68’) and Jibrin Mustapha (72’) sealed a comprehensive victory that saw Pillars climb out of the relegation places.

In Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists played out an entertaining 2–2 draw. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead in the 37th minute before Ezekiel Oroh equalised early in the second half. Wolves briefly turned the game around through Seth Mayi on 56 minutes, but Bala struck again in the 76th minute to earn Wikki a share of the points.

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2–0 victory over Barau FC, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu opening the scoring in the 35th minute. The points were sealed deep into stoppage time when Rickson Mendos added a second to cap a solid home display.

Katsina United earned a 1–0 away win at Kun Khalifat thanks to Richard Christopher’s 39th-minute strike.

El-Kanemi Warriors snatched a narrow 1–0 victory at Bayelsa United, with Sadiq Mohammed scoring just before halftime.

Ikorodu City beat reigning champions, Remo Stars 1–0 as Odinaka Alfred unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the 40th minute, firing past goalkeeper Alladoum.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.

There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.

Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute

Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.

Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.

Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.

One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.

Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.

However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.

Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.

Uche Dozie 

Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced major shifts across the table, with newly promoted Kun Khalifat climbing out of the bottom four and Ikorodu City rising to the summit after a hard-fought home victory. Enyimba also claimed bragging rights in the Oriental Derby against Rangers International, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Kun Khalifat 2–0 Plateau United

Kun Khalifat secured a vital home win to boost their survival hopes, defeating Plateau United 2–0.

Lekan Gabriel opened the scoring in the 47th minute, before Henry Ezeonye converted a 70th-minute penalty to seal the victory.

Ikorodu City 1–0 Abia Warriors

Ikorodu City moved to the top of the NPFL standings following a 1–0 triumph over Abia Warriors.

Chidera Oparaocha struck in the 69th minute to earn all three points for the Lagos club.

Enyimba 2–1 Rangers International

Enyimba claimed victory in the Oriental Derby, edging Rangers 2–1 in Aba.

Goals from Chidera Michael (42’) and Stanley Dimgba (81’) put the hosts in control, before Kenechukwu Agu pulled one back for Rangers deep into stoppage time.

Other Results

Barau FC 3–2 Kwara United

Barau edged a five-goal thriller, with strikes from Usman Maidubji (19’), Muhammad Umar (43’), and Stanley Oganbor (90’).

Kwara United responded through Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo (40’) and Aule Johnmark(49’), but it was not enough to deny the hosts.

Warri Wolves 1–0 Nasarawa United

Warri Wolves earned a narrow win thanks to an early 5th-minute goal from Othuke Egbo.

Bayelsa United 1–1 Katsina United

Bayelsa United were held to a draw at home, with Ifeanyi Ogba converting a 7th-minute penalty, before Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina United in the 36th minute.

Matchday 15 concludes with significant movement at both ends of the table, setting up an intriguing run-in as the season approaches its midpoint.

Uche Dozie

Multiple-time champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba, continued their downward slope following another loss to Plateau United, as Kwara United earned a point in Enugu against Rangers International, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

It was another bad day in the office for Enyimba as they lost to Plateau United by two goals to one at the New Jos Stadium.

A keenly contested affair in the first half saw the tie remain goalless until Monday Gideon opened the score for the hosts in the 50th minute.

Jonathan Jacob restored parity for Enyimba in the 68th minute. Still, a second goal by Jacob on 76 minutes sealed the win for the Peace Boys and handed Enyimba their third consecutive defeat.

Kwara United held Rangers International to a goalless draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma in the 14th and 90+4 minutes gave Warri Wolves a vital win at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, to go fourth on the log.

Emeka Obioma's 16-minute strike and  Sunday Megwo's goal on 62 minutes gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Barau FC.

Wikki Tourist ended Shooting Stars Sports Club's five-match unbeaten streak after a 2-0 win in Bauchi. Abdullahi Usman on 31 minutes and Jonathan Mairiga on 42 minutes sealed that deal.

Uche Dozie

Daniel Onyia has joined Spanish side Bergantiños CF on a free transfer from Nigeria Premier Football League side Rangers International, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/Rangers_Intl/status/1967932733218492926?t=4bkBXcxoxatQzTSVys8A8w&s=19

The Enugu based club announced the transfer of the player via its social media pages on Tuesday.

"Rangers International FC wishes to announce that Daniel Onyia has completed a move to Spanish side Bergantiños CF on a free transfer."

Based on the agreement, the 2024 NPFL champions FC will retain 50% of any future sale of the player.

Uche Dozie

Nine-time champions Enyimba FC have moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League following their win against Bayelsa while there were first wins for Ikorodu City, Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Kun Khalifat FC after match day 4 on Sunday, Nigeriasiccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant defeated Bayelsa United 0-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao to record their second win and first win away of the season.

Chidera Michael put the People's Elephant ahead on 76 minutes before Kalu Nweke doubled the lead on 85 minutes to ensure victory.

Ikorodu City beat new boys Barau FC 2-0 courtesy of a Joseph Arumala header on 59 minutes and Ayomide Cole's goal just 6 minutes to regulation time to win in Lagos.

Kano Pillars piped Rangers International 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa on 65 minutes as Sai Masu Gida side earned their first win of the season.

A brace from Ebuka Nwokorie on 34’ and 56 minutes and Onuorah Onyedika's 48 minutes goals cancelled Ebuka Okoro's goal on 47 minutes to give Kun Khalifat FC the win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Garba Mohammed 37 minutes goal gave Nasarawa United a win over Wikki Tourist.

Rivers United sunk Shooting Stars Sports Club further below with a 1-0 win courtesy of 72 minutes strike by Ubong Friday.

Abia Warriors defeated Katsina United 1-0 after Somiari Alalibo scored a fine goal on 51 minutes which was enough to seal victory.

Warri Wolves and Kwara United settled for the share of the spoils with a goalless at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Uche Dozie

Reigning champions, Remo Stars, have gone top of the league, Rangers International and Kwara United recorded their win, as Plateau United continue to struggle, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports

The Sky Blue Stars ended the unbeaten run of Nigeria National League champions Warri Wolves after a 1-0 win at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Abeokuta, following Samson Olasupo's 77-minute goal.

Remo Stars now have seven points after three matches played and go top of the log with better goal difference than Wikki Tourist.

It was another unbeaten streak that ended as Niger Tornadoes defeated Bayelsa United 1-0 courtesy of Ismail Sarki's goal in 27 minutes of the game played at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.

Wikki Tourist remained unbeaten and stayed top of the log with a slim win over Abia Warriors courtesy of a goal by  Jonathan Mairiga in 77 minutes.

Rangers International recorded their first win of the season after beating struggling Plateau United 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Goals from Chidozie Iwundu on 45 minutes and Chidiebere Nwobodo on 80 minutes were enough to give the Flying Antelopes the win, leaving the Peace Boys winless since the start of the league.

Kwara United also celebrated their first win after defeating new boys, Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Inih Stadium, Ilorin.

Goals from Johnmark Shirsha on 24 minutes and Emeka Kingsley Obiorah on 81 minutes ensured maximum points for the Harmony Boys.

Multiple champions, Enyimba FC, played a disappointing goalless draw against Nasarawa United at home, while former champions, Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors, encountered in Maiduguri ended goalless.

The topsy-turvy run of Shooting Stars Sports Club continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City at home in the South West derby clash on Sunday.

Sodiq Ibrahim found the net in the 9th minute to give the Oluyole Warriors an early lead, but they were pegged back after Shola Adelani, with a timely touch to bring the Oga Boys level at the stroke of half-time.

Uche Dozie

Chidiebere Nwobodo has rejoined Enugu Rangers ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign following a brief spell in Rwanda, reports NigeriaSoccernet.com.

The seasoned midfielder, who previously played for the Flying Antelopes during the 2023/24 season, has signed a two-year contract with Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team.

Nwobodo makes his comeback from Rwandan champions APR FC, bringing valuable experience and leadership back to the Rangers’ midfield setup.

Before his overseas move, he amassed 102 league appearances and found the net 16 times. Notably, he was an integral part of the Rangers side that won the NPFL title two seasons ago.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

The Borno army piped Sunshine 1-0 to scale through and condemned the Akure Gunners to the Nigeria National League in Maiduguri.

Barnabas Daniel scored for El-kanemi Warriors at the 27th minute against Sunshine Stars FC for the win.

Heartland FC defeated fellow relegation bound team Akwa United, but it was not enough to see the Nazi Millionaires out of the relegation waters at the end of the day.

Isaac Nassy scored in 22 minutes while Daniel Ekpo, on 76 minutes, doubled the lead for Heartland before Chisom Orji pulled one back for Akwa United on 83 minutes.

Mubarak Said's goal on 34 minutes was all Katsina United needed to get a crucial win against Kwara United and stay afloat, 2 points away from the drop zone

In Aba, Enyimba FC fell to their first home loss this season against Plateau United courtesy of a 40th-minute goal from Abdullahi Yusuf.

It was goals galore in Ibadan as Shooting Stars Sports Club thrashed former champions, Rangers International 5-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

A brace from Sodiq Ibrahim and goal each by Gbolagade Adelowo, Alex Aghahowa and Joshua Akpan made the only by the visitors through Bashir Usman a consolation.

It was a fight to finish in Lagos and Kaduna after a 5-goal thriller saw Ikorodu City pip Abia Warriors 3-2 while Niger Tornadoes edge Kano Pillars with the same scoreline.

Ayomide Cole on 37’ minutes, Tosin Oyedokun on 58 minutes and Musa Malik on 65 minutes gave Ikorodu City the three goals while Sunday Megwo's additional time goal in the first half and  a goal from Paul Samson on 75 minutes were the two goals from the visitors.

Rabiu Ali's early goal in the 4th minute for the visitors was cancelled by Godstime Joseph's goal from the spot three minutes later, bringing the first half to a 1-all scoreline.

Ismail Sarki gave the hosts the lead for the first time in the game on 66 minutes before Kufre Ebong doubled the lead on 84 minutes.

Naziru Auwali Ibrahim reduced the deficit on 87 minutes, but there was no comeback as the hosts saw off the game to take all points at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Uche Dozie

Rangers International defender Effimi Nsi has expressed strong confidence ahead of their crucial 2025 President’s Federation Cup semi-final clash against Kwara United, set for Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, NigeriaSoccernet.com can report.

The in-form centre-back, who has been instrumental for the Enugu side since arriving at the start of the season, declared the 'Flying Antelopes' are fully prepared and focused on reaching the final.

“We are ready to face any club in the Federation Cup. We don’t fear any team but respect all,” said Nsi. “I assure our supporters we have what it takes to overcome Kwara United on Wednesday and reach the final. We are in Lagos for business, not a joke.”

Rangers, six-time winners of the Federation Cup, are riding high after a hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final victory over Plateau United in Abuja earlier this month. Under the guidance of coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team is looking to rekindle the spirit of the 'Asaba Miracle' of 2018, where they famously came back from 3-0 down to defeat Kano Pillars on penalties and lift the trophy.

With the stakes high and history beckoning, Rangers will be aiming to book a spot in the final and inch closer to ending their seven-year wait for another cup triumph.

Kwara United, Ikorodu City, and Rangers International have all booked their places in the semi-final of the President's Federation Cup following wins in their quarter-final matches, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Kwara United came from behind to go into penalties and beat Akwa United 5-3 after 2-2 at regulation time and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Endurance Ebedebiri scored from the spot to put the Promise Keepers in front after a foul on Emmanuel Ini inside the box in the 15th minute.

Emmanuel Ini picked up a long ball from the right and calmly beat his marker before sending a left-footed curling shot into the top-right corner of the net to double the lead on 24 minutes.

However, Alalade Wasiu started the comeback for the Harmony Boys after reducing the deficit in the 35th minute before Junior Aimufua levelled the score at the stroke of half time.

The game progressed to a shootout after the score remained the same at full time, which was won by Kwara United.

Chiedozie Okorie scored in the 30th minute of play as Rangers International beat Plateau United 1-0 at Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja.

Shola Adelani's goal from the penalty spot after 55 minutes played was all Ikorodu City needed to go past Wikki Tourist at Bwari Township Stadium.

Semi-final pairings

Ikorodu City vs Abakaliki FC

Kwara United vs Rangers International

Uche Dozie

Reigning champions secured an emphatic win over Lobi Stars in a six-goal thriller, while Enyimba FC returned to winning ways against Kano Pillars in Aba in Nigeria Premier Football League matches played on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Relegated Lobi Stars' poor run of form continued at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, aka Cathedral, after they lost 2-4 to the Flying Antelopes.

Williams Wonah gave Rangers the lead on 14 minutes before Segun Oloruntoba restored parity for Lobi Stars on 23 minutes.

Godwin Obaje restored Rangers' lead on 31 minutes as the league giants held on to a slim lead at the end of the first half.

Isaac Saviour extended the lead on 51 minutes, but Ifeanyi Assurance reduced the deficit two minutes later.

Obaje sealed the win for Rangers International with a goal on 62 minute to end the encounter 2-4.

Enyimba secured a crucial 3 points after beating Kano Pillars 2-1 at the Enyimba International Stadium.

After Joseph Atule put the Aba giants in front after 34 minutes, Brown Ideye doubled the lead on 48 minutes. Naibe Akpesiri pulled one back on 81 minutes for the Sai Masu Gida, but Enyimba held on for the win.

Abia Warriors were mauled by Katsina United after they fell to a 5-1 loss at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium

Mubarak Said started the onslaught with a goal in the second minutes of play before Bello Lukman doubled the lead three minutes later.

Abia Warriors tried to bring themselves back to the game by pulling one back in the eleventh minute through Antoine Ijoma as the first 45 ended 2-1.

Nura Abdulbari in the 56th minute killed every hope of a comeback with the Solid Miners' third, restoring the two-goal lead before Bello extended the with his second of the day 6 minutes later.

Ahmed Taofeek put the icing on the cake at additional to make it 5-1 and give Katsina United a Big win over the top 3 chasers, Abia Warriors.

Uche Dozie

Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has vowed that his side will continue pushing to end the 2024/25 season on a high, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in the Round of 16 of the President's Federation Cup, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

In a tense encounter played on Wednesday evening at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, Godwin Obaje emerged the hero, calmly converting a penalty on the stroke of halftime. The spot kick was awarded after the striker was brought down in the box by Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba.

The win sees the Flying Antelopes book a place in the quarter-finals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition, setting up an exciting showdown with Plateau United.

Reacting after the match, Ilechukwu praised the quality of the opposition and commended his team’s resilience.

“It was a great game for both sides. I expected a tough game from our opponents, and they showed the stuff they are made of. But we dug deep to get the desired win, and we give God all the glory,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Rangers gaffer emphasized the importance of staying focused for the remainder of the season.

“We keep fighting and working on our team going into the last matches of the NPFL and the remaining games of the Federation Cup. We are still positive going into the end of the season.”

The date and venue for the quarter-final clash with Plateau United will be announced by the competition organizers.

Heartland FC put reigning champions, Rangers International to the sword to secure a win in Enugu on match day 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Naze Millionaires defeated the Flying Antelopes 0-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to remain afloat in the battle against relegation.

Suraju Lawal put the hosts in front after 21 minutes of play with a superb turn and good ball placement to the bottom left beyond the reach of Goalie Lucky Abdullahi.

Isaac Nassy doubled the lead after 3 minutes of the second half after managing to nod the ball into the net after Goalie Lucky Abdullahi tipped the initial effort from Suraju Lawal towards his path.

That was all the Owerri based club needed to win the oriental derby and take all bragging rights away from home.

The win keeps Heartland FC 16th position with 41 points, same point as Katsina United who are 17th and 3 points ahead of Akwa United in 18th position.

Uche Dozie

The Oga Boys came from a goal down to win the Ogbomosho side 3-1 at the Ijebu Ode Stadium.

Moses Ngede put Crown FC in front 2 minutes before Waliu Ojetoye restored parity in the 39th minute to end the first half 1-1.

Salau Yusuf put the Lagos side in front for the first time in the game on 58 minutes before

Ayomide Cole consolidated the win in 87 minutes.

In Abuja, Enyimba FC edged El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 courtesy of a Christian Nnaji first-half goal to reach the last 16 of the competition.

Vincent Temitope scored with a powerful strike in the 21st minute to give Plateau United the win over Sunshine Stars.

Reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Rangers International have survived the fixture against Heartland FC to progress to the next round of the President Federation Cup.

The Flying Antelopes and the Naze Millionaires settled for a 1-1 draw at regulation time to move into penalties where they emerged 5-3 winners of the oriental derby at the Awka City Stadium, Anambra.

Shola AbdulRaheem's Goal in the 54 minutes ensures Kwara United progress to the round of 16 over Gombe United at the Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia.

Uche Dozie

A lone goal scored late in the second half was all the Peace Boys needed to edge the Flying Antelopes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium aka Cathedral.

The visiting side played effectively held the hosts who dominated play in the first half to keep score goalless in the first half.

In the second half, Rangers International continued on the high press, pushing to score, but thanks to the saves of Amah John to keep the score the same.

The momentum was sustained by both sides until the 72nd minutes where Plateau United dashed forward courtesy of substitute Mancha Sabbath who pulled out for Samuel Kalu to score.

Amah's goalkeeping and resolute defending kept the score at 0-1. A win that moves the Jos side to 11th position with 41 points in 31 matches.

Uche Dozie