Godwin Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Akorode Daniel scored, and the Flying Antelopes lead the NPFL by a point after a fourth straight home derby win.
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Reigning champions Rangers International beat Abia Warriors 3-1 in the Oriental Derby in Awka on Sunday, October 4, to go top of the NPFL table. The Matchday 7 win was their fourth in a row at home against Abia in the derby.
Godwin Obaje tapped in the opener in the 37th minute, and Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead four minutes after the restart. Emeka Obioma pulled one back from the penalty spot on 53 minutes, before Akorode Daniel sealed it with Rangers’ third in the 95th minute.
The Mockery
After the game, Rangers’ official X account posted a message to their rivals. It wished Abia Warriors a safe journey home and thanked them for “donating the 3 points as promised.” Fans following the derby can check the YOHAIG Bet9ja derby-day code.
Rangers also provided free buses to bring fans from Enugu to Awka before the game.
The Table
The win took Rangers to the top of the table on 16 points, one point above unbeaten Rivers United. Abia Warriors are 14th on eight points after seven games.
Rangers are unbeaten against Abia in Awka since 2022 and have won four of their last five Oriental Derbies at home. New bettors following the league can read the Bet9ja promo code explainer.
What Comes Next
Rangers visit Barau FC on Sunday, October 11, at 4pm.
Abia Warriors host Rivers United on the same day, a tough test for a side that beat Bendel Insurance 3-0 in their previous home game.
Fans who like to call derby results can try Bet9ja’s Super9ja derby picks. Can Abia Warriors bounce back against unbeaten Rivers United?
📌 Did You Know?
- Rangers’ traditional home is the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, but they played the derby in Awka.
- Obaje scored against his former club, for whom he netted 12 league goals in 2021/22.
- Rangers won last season’s title with 68 points from 38 games.
- Abia finished seventh last season on 55 points.
- Abia coach Imama Amapakabo has coached Rangers in the past.
