The Nigeria Premier Football League 2025/2026 season is down to the wire after both title contenders, Rangers International and Rivers United secured a win in MatchDay 37 game played on Sunday, with the final day expected to be great fire.
It was a hard fought victory for Rangers, defeating Insurance 2-1 with Godwin Onaje scoring a brace in the game.
In a tense encounter with the championship race finely balanced, Godwin Obaje struck twice to keep the Flying Antelopes in control of their destiny heading into the final day.
Rangers started brightly and could have taken an early lead when Ifeanyi Assurance broke through, only to lift his close-range effort over the bar.
Assurance was again at the centre of the action in the 15th minute, showing excellent control inside the box before laying off to Wisdom Ebirim, who blazed over from a promising position.
The breakthrough arrived three minutes later. Daniel Eni delivered a teasing free-kick from the left channel and Obaje rose highest to head home his 13th goal of the season.
Despite Rangers dominance, Bendel Insurance struck back in the 39th minute when Alex Oweifaleya unleashed a powerful 25-yard free-kick that flew past the goalkeeper to level the contest.
The decisive moment came when Chidiebere Nwobodo was bundled over in the box, earning Rangers a penalty.
Obaje stepped up confidently, sending Baba the wrong way to complete his brace and move to 14 goals for the season—now top of the NPFL scoring charts.
The result leaves Rangers at the top of the table with a one-point advantage over Rivers United, who came from behind to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-2 in Bauchi.
With one game remaining, Rangers will travel to face Ikorodu City in Lagos, while Rivers United host Katsina United.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars move closer to a Continental slot after a 1-0 defeat of Barau FC while Kwara United continue to fight their way out of relegation with a 2-0 defeat of Enyimba.
The battle at the bottom of the table continue to be fierce with Remo Stars and Kun Khalifa securing important wins against Bayelsa United and Abia Warriors respectively.
It was a day to forget for Ikorodu City as they suffered a 4-1 thrashing in the hand of Katsina United while Kano Pillars did their chances a lot of good with a 1-0 win against Warri Wolves.
It ended goalless between El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes with Nasarawa United defeating Plateau United 1-0.
