Barau FC NPFL campaign gathered pace as the Maliya Boys moved top with an impressive 2-0 win over Abia Warriors, while Rangers also secured victory

Barau FC moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table on Wednesday after defeating Abia Warriors 2-0, while defending champions Rangers strengthened their position near the summit with a 1-0 home victory over Ranchers Bees.

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Barau FC made a confident start at home, with forward Joseph Atule opening the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Ibrahim Ayoola then doubled the advantage shortly after the hour mark, giving the Maliya Boys a comfortable cushion as they secured another valuable three points.

The result lifted Barau FC to 11 points from five matches and placed the club at the summit of the early NPFL standings.

Rangers, meanwhile, moved into second place after edging Ranchers Bees 1-0.

Chidozie Iwundu provided the decisive moment, scoring 10 minutes before full-time to give the defending champions a narrow victory.

The result keeps Rangers firmly among the early contenders at the top of the table as the champions continue their title defence.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Shooting Stars also enjoyed a comfortable afternoon, defeating Katsina United 2-0.

Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke scored for the Ibadan club to secure maximum points on home soil.

Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance came from the round of fixtures with a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City, while Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United by the same scoreline.

Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw, while Doma United and Plateau United shared four goals in a 2-2 draw.

Inter Lagos and Kano Pillars also finished level, drawing 1-1.

In Aba, Sporting Lagos produced one of the round’s notable results by defeating Enyimba 3-2 away from home.

The latest results underline the competitive nature of the early NPFL campaign, with several clubs already showing signs of strong form as the season develops.

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Full results: Barau FC 2-0 Abia Warriors; Bendel Insurance 2-1 Ikorodu City; Rangers 1-0 Ranchers Bees; Kwara United 2-1 Nasarawa United; Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves; Shooting Stars 2-0 Katsina United; Doma United 2-2 Plateau United; Inter Lagos 1-1 Kano Pillars; Enyimba 2-3 Sporting Lagos.