Rangers Top The League, Beats Abia Warriors 2-1
Enugu Rangers Friday night shot to the top of the Nigeria league after they defeated regional rivals Abia Warriors 2-1.
Rangers toppled Wikki Tourists at the summit of the table with 43 points from 25 matches, a point more than the Bauchi club.
The home team deserved their win as they were the more positive team particularly in the first half, while Abia Warriors attack despite boasting Chisom Chikatara and Michael Olaha lacked any sharpness.
Nigeria youth international midfielder Obinna Nwobodo put Rangers in front after 15 minutes, when he fired past Abia Warriors goalkeeper John Gaadi from an acute angle on the left flank.
They doubled their advantage in the 35th minute, when Chisom Egbuchulam tucked away a penalty after the referee adjudged skipper Austin Obaroakpo handled the ball inside his vital area.
It was his 10th goal of the campaign.
After several saves by Rangers Ghanaian goalkeeper Nana Bonsu, Olaha pulled a goal back for Abia Warriors on the stroke of full time to make for a nervy end to this derby.
In first half stoppage time, Rangers striker Bobby Clement saw his effort from inside the box come off the foot of the post.