The NPFL reached its peak in the Oriental derby involving Rangers and Enyimba before descending into an abyss in the same breath.
That’s the beauty and the beast of league football.
![Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium](https://sportsintel.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image_2024-06-10_001443210-300x169.png)
In the winner takes all game, Enyimba was running away with a valuable point until a brain fart moment by Enyimba’s defender, Eze led to a penalty call by the center referee.
A Tough call by the referee following a pull on Rangers’ Godwin Obaje right inside the box by Enyimba defender.
The spectacle gave way to a stalemate as Enyimba players left the pitch after a last-minute penalty call for the host, Rangers.
In The Beginning, A Blessing Became A Curse.
A well-hyped encounter on social media and the streets of Enugu and Aba promised so much and the fans duly obliged.
Enyimba made big plans by providing transportation to its fans while the host, Rangers called on its army of fans to turn out for the oriental derby.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd at the stadium was more than available seats leading to the pulling down of the gates by those who wanted tickets.
The move led to a free-for-all and an uncontrollable crowd is a recipe for a disaster.
“Fans brought down the main gate. From then it was uncontrollable.”
Oriental Derby and A Sad Comedy Of Errors
The first half of the match ended at 49 minutes after an addition of four minutes.
Unfortunately, the Score Board operator didn’t reset to 45 minutes by the second half but continued from the 49th minute.
The AR3 Raised the board for an extra eight minutes at the 94th minute.
It was an eight-minute addition and the Penalty incident happened on the dot of the 97th minute.
![Oriental Derby: Rangers Vs Enyimba](https://sportsintel.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image_2024-06-10_002154465-300x230.png)
What Next For NPFL Title Decider?
Indeed, nothing was decided in Enugu and league-topping Rangers must gird their loins to battle Shooting Stars on June 12 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Rangers need to avoid defeat in any of their remaining three games to coast home with the N150 million prize money and title.
The raging battle will be for the second and third-place finish that assures a continental club campaign next season.
Remo Stars and Shooting Stars lost their shine this weekend in away games and they need to bounce back in midweek to stay in the hunt.
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