NPFL: Rangers beat Bendel Insurance to claim top spot
Defending champions Rangers International moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, table after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in a rescheduled Matchday Nine fixture at the Awka City Stadium on Wednesday.
The victory marked Rangers' sixth win of the season and strengthened their bid to retain the league title.
Both sides created scoring opportunities in an evenly contested first half, but neither could find the back of the net before the break.
However, Rangers broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half through Chidozie Iwundu, whose decisive strike proved enough to secure all three points for the hosts.
The result takes Fidelis Ilechukwu's men to the top of the NPFL standings with 21 points from 10 matches.
Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, dropped to fourth position with 18 points from 11 games following the defeat.
Rangers will look to maintain their momentum when they host Kwara United in a Matchday 12 fixture on Sunday.
Bendel Insurance will also be at home when they welcome Niger Tornadoes to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.