Rangers International Clinch 1-0 Win Over Bendel Insurance to Top NPFL Table

Rangers International moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings on Wednesday after securing a 1-0 home victory against Bendel Insurance at the Awka Township Stadium. The result maintains the reigning champions’ title defense momentum, according to the official league report.

Iwundu Secures Second-Half Winner

The decisive moment arrived two minutes into the second half. Following a saved attempt by Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joseph Orya against forward Emo James, Rangers centre-back Chidozie Iwundu reacted quickly to head in the rebound on 47 minutes. Iwundu nearly added a second goal shortly afterward with another header, but Orya intervened to keep the deficit at one.

Rangers entered the contest in second position and were required to adjust their attacking lineup due to the suspension of top striker Godwin Obaje. In Obaje’s absence, teenage forward Abolade Daniel Akorede earned a starting berth in attack alongside James.

Competitive Display in Awka

According to league coverage, Bendel Insurance started the match aggressively. Under head coach Kennedy Boboye, the visiting Benin Arsenals fielded the same starting lineup that had previously secured an away victory against Kwara United. Orya started his third consecutive game in goal, while senior keeper Amas Obasogie was omitted from the matchday roster.

Early efforts from Bendel’s Alex Oweilayefa and Chinedu Nwosu tested Rangers goalkeeper Abdullahi Jimoh. Rangers gradually established control through midfield phases involving Folarin Temitope, Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Chidiebere Nwobodo, and Philip Clement. Despite opportunities on both ends of the pitch late in the first half, the teams entered the interval scoreless before Iwundu’s breakthrough early in the second period.

Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

With the 1-0 result, Rangers International climbed into first place, moving three points clear of second-placed Rivers United. The league report noted that Rangers also maintain an outstanding game in hand. Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance dropped to fourth place following the defeat.

Both clubs will turn their attention to league action this coming Sunday. Rangers remain at the Awka Township Stadium to host Kwara United, while Bendel Insurance will return home to face Niger Tornadoes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

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p class=”vbgf-source-note”>Source: Nigeria Premier Football League

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