Rangers International boosted their Nigeria Premier Football League title charge with a composed 2–0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The Flying Antelopes started brightly and fashioned early openings, with Wisdom Ebirim sending a teasing cross across the face of goal after neat work by Waheed Adebayo.
Rangers sustained the pressure and nearly went ahead in the 13th minute when Chidozie Iwundu powered a header towards the goal post from a corner, forcing a desperate clearance from Sanusi.
The breakthrough came from another set piece. Daniel Ani’s corner was only half-cleared by Pillars, and the loose ball fell kindly to Emmanuel Essien outside the box. The midfielder unleashed a fierce drive that flew past goalkeeper Abuchi to hand Rangers a deserved lead.
Adebayo continued to trouble the visitors from range, while former Rangers striker Chidozie Okorie posed sporadic danger at the other end, his effort blocked by Ejike Ikwu. Pillars ended the first half with a spell of pressure, Sanusi trying his luck from distance as they searched for a way back.
Rangers suffered a setback before the interval when goal-scorer Essien limped off injured. There was also a nervous moment when Iwundu misjudged a long ball under pressure from Okorie, but goalkeeper Lucky reacted swiftly to clear the danger.
The hosts doubled their advantage early in the second half. Ikechukwu Mgbemena’s long pass released captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, whose cross into the box deflected off defender Mohammed Mukhtar and into his own net.
Rangers pushed for more. Kenneth Igboke’s dangerous delivery flashed across goal, while Adebayo was denied in a one-on-one by Abuchi after being put through by Mgbemena. The midfielder later forced a superb save with a powerful strike from outside the area.
Kano Pillars struggled to create clear chances after the break, with Rabiu Ali’s long-range effort drifting wide.
The win moves Rangers up to third on 39 points, keeping them firmly in the title race, while Pillars remain 18th on 25 points. Rangers next face Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby.
