sports

Rangers Stay Top as Plateau United Thrash Kano Pillars

Published

45 minutes ago

October 12, 2026

Rangers stay top of the NPFL after a 2-2 draw with Barau FC, while Plateau United thrash Kano Pillars 4-0 to end their unbeaten run

Defending champions Rangers International maintained their position at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against Barau FC, while Plateau United delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Kano Pillars on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

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The results highlighted an eventful round of fixtures, with Rangers rescuing a point in Kano and Plateau United ending Kano Pillars’ unbeaten start to the campaign at the New Jos Stadium.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Rangers took the lead seven minutes before half-time through Ifeanyi Okechukwu, who put the visitors in front in the 38th minute.

Barau FC responded after the break and turned the contest around through two successfully converted penalties. Joseph Atule equalised from the spot in the 56th minute before Aliyu Sugau scored another penalty in the 68th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

Rangers refused to leave empty-handed, however, as Chidiebere Nwobodo struck in stoppage time to secure a valuable point for the defending champions.

The draw allowed Rangers to retain top spot after eight matches, with Rivers United remaining close behind following their goalless draw against Abia Warriors.

At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United produced one of the round’s most emphatic performances, defeating Kano Pillars 4-0 to inflict their first league defeat of the season.

Paul Samson opened the scoring in the third minute, giving the hosts an early advantage after good work from Ekundayo Ojo and Ibrahim Yahaya.

Plateau United doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Ojo found the net following a corner kick by Victor Dawa.

The hosts continued to press after the interval, with Samuel Ayanrinde adding a third goal in the 82nd minute before Nenrot Silas completed the rout in stoppage time.

The comprehensive victory strengthened Plateau United’s position in the standings and delivered a significant setback to Kano Pillars, who had maintained an unbeaten record before the encounter.

Sporting Lagos also claimed an important victory, coming from behind to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Bendel Insurance took the lead through Kayode Oke, who scored just 18 seconds into the match. Sporting Lagos responded with two goals in the first half, as Victor Samuel equalised in the 14th minute before Gafar Olaniyan completed the turnaround eight minutes later.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United recorded a 2-0 victory over Doma United. Sunday Dapman opened the scoring before Jofrank Istifanus added the second goal to secure all three points for the home side.

Kun Khalifat FC also enjoyed a successful outing, beating Shooting Stars 2-0 to strengthen their position in the league.

Meanwhile, Rivers United maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign after playing out a goalless draw with Abia Warriors.

Warri Wolves rounded off the weekend with a 3-1 victory over Inter Lagos, with Emmanuel Aribogba scoring twice and Sabastine Uche adding another goal.