Julius Okorie
On a good day, a match between Enyimba of Aba, popularly known as Peoples Elephants and Rangers International, popularly known as the Flying Antelopes, is usually one of the most entertaining oriental derbies any soccer fan can look forward to in the Nigeria premier league.
Same goes for a tie between Rangers and Heartland of Owerri, Enyimba and Heartland, Rangers and Abia Warriors and vice versa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, what should have ended as an interesting Super Sunday for fans of Enyimba and Rangers, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, on Sunday, June 9, failed short of expectation as the referees decision forced the tie to descend into fiasco.
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A controversial penalty, reportedly awarded at the 99th minute of the highly anticipated oriental derby, led to violence and suspension of the match.
The referee’s decision forced Enyimba players to walk off the field in anger, refusing to continue play, while their fans in what could pass for solidarity move, in support of the two time CAF Champions League winners, invaded the field, causing the match to be halted.
The stadium, packed with approximately 40,000 spectators, descended into chaos, as fans clashed and security struggled to restore order.
Rangers are currently table toppers in the 20-team Premier league with 61 points, in 34 matches played, closely followed by Enyimba, with 59 points in 34 matches played.
Management Committee of the NPFL Prime Business Africa gathered, are expecting official report on the incident
In other matches played on Sunday, Sporting Lagos posted an impressive run holding Bayelsa United to a 2-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, in Yenagoa.
Interestingly, two players turned out to be men of the moment for both teams; John Bassey scored a brace for Bayelsa United, while Jonathan Alukwu scored a brace for visiting Sporting Lagos.
Bendel Insurance settled for a 0-0 draw with Abia Warriors, Lobi stars beat Remo Stars, 3-2, while Heartland of Owerri defeated Doma United, 3-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. Rivers United were lone goal winners over Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars of Akure 2-0 winners over Akwa United.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
