Enyimba, Katsina Utd, Enugu Rangers Secure Key Wins on Matchday 34

Matchday 34 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered thrills across the country as Enyimba, Katsina United, and Enugu Rangers claimed important victories.

In Aba, Brown Ideye made the difference for Enyimba in their 2–1 win over Kano Pillars. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 34th minute before Ideye doubled the lead early in the second half. Although Pillars pulled one back through Naibe Akpesiri after Ani had initially saved a penalty, the home side held firm to collect all three points. The win moves Enyimba up to seventh, level on 49 points with Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance, but behind on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Katsina United delivered a dominant 5–1 performance against Abia Warriors at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Early strikes from Mubarak Said and Lukman Bello set the tone. Antoine Ijoma pulled one back for the visitors, but goals from Nura Abdulbari, another from Bello, and a stoppage-time effort from Ahmed Taofeek sealed the rout. Despite the heavy loss, Abia Warriors remain third with 53 points, though Ikorodu City loom close behind with a game in hand.

In Enugu, the reigning champions Rangers outclassed bottom-placed Lobi Stars 4–2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The victory lifted the Flying Antelopes to fifth with 49 points, keeping their continental qualification hopes alive as the season approaches its finale.

Editorial

There’s a fresh sense of urgency in the NPFL, and it’s thrilling to see clubs like Enyimba, Katsina United, and Enugu Rangers rise to the occasion. With the league table tightening and just a handful of matches left, every point feels like gold. It’s in moments like these that true contenders reveal themselves not just in quality, but in character.

Enyimba’s resilience in the face of late pressure from Pillars reminds us of the grit that defined their glory years. Ideye’s presence has added a touch of maturity and poise in attack, something the team had been lacking. He’s not just scoring he’s mentoring, guiding, and leading by example.

Katsina United, often overlooked in NPFL narratives, sent a loud message with their commanding win. Scoring five in one match shows hunger, confidence, and tactical discipline. These are the signs of a team not just playing for pride but pushing for progress.

Enugu Rangers, still basking in their reigning champion status, showed why they remain a force. Their fight for continental qualification is alive and well, and it’s fuelled by an exciting brand of football that deserves packed stadiums and wider media attention.

We believe the league is entering a golden window where talent, strategy, and ambition are aligning. What it needs now is structure, promotion, and unwavering fan support. Because if this weekend showed us anything, it’s that the NPFL has all the ingredients to captivate.

Did You Know?

1. Brown Ideye was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under coach Stephen Keshi.
2. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is also known as “The Cathedral” among Enugu Rangers fans.
3. Kano Pillars have won the NPFL four times, most recently in 2014.
4. Katsina United’s 5–1 win is their biggest of the season so far.
5. The NPFL was formerly known as the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) before being rebranded.