Date: 2012-02-27

Chikeluba Ofoedu netted the match winner for 10-man Enugu Rangers to beat ABS FC 1-0 in Ilorin and shoot to the top of the NPL Sunday.

'The Flying Antelopes' are now top of the NPL with 19 points from 10 matches, a point ahead of Kwara United, while Enyimba are third with 16 points.

Ofoedu barely passed a late fitness test after he suffered a groin injury against Heartland last week to score his fourth goal of the season in the 49th minute.

The team's media officer Foster Chime said they deserved the victory and that they will not relent in their efforts to win the trophy.

"It was a good match, our boys played well and deserve the victory. It was a hard fought one and I am sure we will build on it to do well in subsequent game. ABS FC is not a bad team as they game good account of themselves, but we curtail them," he told MTNFootball.com.

Rangers though had to play a man short late in this game after Ugonna Ogochukwu again saw red in Ilorin for a dangerous tackle.

The midfielder was also sent off at the Ilorin Township Stadium recently when Rangers took on hosts Kwara United.

Heartland defeated Kwara United 1-0 in Nnewi, while Sunshine were held to a goalless draw at home by Enyimba.

Heartland striker Brendan Ogbu scored his second goal in as many matches when he hit target after eight minutes of action.

Former Heartland skipper Chinedu Efugh told MTNFootball.com that they worked hard for the victory and that they will not relent in their quest to do well in the league.

He said, "I am happy that we won, Kwara really fought hard, but we too did not relent. We put in our best and it was good to win at the end of the day. We will do better and win with wider margin next time."

Sunshine and Enyimba battled themselves to a standstill as all efforts to score were thwarted by both goalkeepers.

"Playing Sunshine star is a big game we know and we really prepared our mind well for the match.  I thank God it paid off. We played very well, same with Sunshine stars, I would have been happier if we had won, but a point away from home is not bad," said Enyimba goalkeeper Richard Ochayi.

Shooting Stars recorded a precious point away from home after they were forced to a 1-1 draw by Lobi Stars in Katsina-ala.

Striker Ighodalo Osagona scored his fourth goal of the season in the 52nd minute, only for Lobi to restore parity in the 65th minute through a penalty taken by Gabriel Agu.

3SC coach Festus Allen saluted his team for a good display, saying the team's resurgence has just began.

"I am happy with this result, it was a good one. The boys did their best and it was encouraging," Allen told MTNFootball.com

"We will build on this result as I believe we are getting better and by the time we reach our best form, it will be massive. Everybody's morale has been boosted now and I am sure the boys' confidence has grown."

In an early kick-off, hosts Jigawa drew 0-0 with Gombe United at the Hadejia Stadium.

Akwa United pipped Kaduna United at the Uyo Township Stadium by a lone goal.

The goal was scored in 69th minute through a penalty converted by Haruna Babalo after an infringement was committed by a Kaduna United defender inside his goal area.