Multiple winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba and Rangers International both recorded wins in their respective oriental derbies played on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Both teams returned to winning ways at the Enugu Township Stadium and Enyimba International Stadium after losing their matches last week.
The Flying Antelopes edged Abia Warriors of Umuahia 3-2 while Enyimba defeated Heartland FC of Owerri 1-0.
Rangers opened score on 7 minute from a set piece by Saviour Isaac and would have extended their lead after Godwin Obaje missed a spot kick on 14 minutes.
However, Megwo Sunday levelled for Abia Warriors from Meme Okike’s cross at the brink of half time as the first 45 ended 1-1.
The host restored parity at the start of the second 45 through Kazeem Ogunleye who fired in a direct free kick from the edge of the box.
Rangers opened a two-goal lead over their Southeast rivals through Chiedozie Okorie’s goal on 62 minutes.
Paschal Nwabueze scored late on to pull one back for Abia Warriors but there was no hope for a comeback.
Reigning champions, Enyimba recorded a first win over Heartland FC after 9 years courtesy of a goal by Ekene Awazie who scored with a curler on 36 minute.
With the win, the Rangers International and Enyimba FC are first and second respectively with 3 points (54 and 51) separating the two sides.
By Uche Dozie
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