A highly anticipated match between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba FC Aba was disrupted on Sunday in a Week 35 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match when a controversial late penalty was awarded to Rangers, sparking chaos and violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The game tagged the Oriental Derby between the two South-East giants was a title decider with Rangers topping the league standings and Enyimba trailing them by two points.
ABN TV gathered that the referee’s decision in the 99th minute sparked chaos as Enyimba players walked off the field, refusing to continue playing while Enyimba fans invaded the field, causing the match to be temporarily halted.
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The penalty, awarded in the last minute, sealed Rangers’ victory and dealt a significant blow to Enyimba’s title hopes.
The stadium, packed with approximately 40,000 spectators, descended into chaos as fans clashed and security struggled to restore order.
Before the match, Rangers were leading the table with 61 points, two ahead of Enyimba in second place.
The match was officially stopped, with Enyimba players refusing to return to the pitch. The incident has raised concerns about fan violence and the need for improved security measures in Nigerian football stadiums.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into the incident, with potential sanctions looming for Enyimba FC.
In other matches today in the NPFL, both Remo Stars and Shooting Stars Sports Club, in third and fourth places respectively, lost.
Remo Stars were beaten 3-2 by Lobi Stars while 3SC lost 1-0 to Rivers United.
Sporting Lagos, who are battling to stay in the top flight, blew a 2-0 lead against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, conceding two goals in three minutes despite being ahead until the 70th minute.
NPFL RESULTS
Bayelsa United 2-2 Sporting Lagos
Rivers United 1-0 3SC
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Akwa United
Heartland 3-1 Doma United
Rangers 0-0 Enyimba (Abandoned)
Lobi Stars 2-1 Remo Stars
Abia Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance
