NPFL leaders Rangers International and defending champions Enyimba failed to deliver what they promised in the Oriental derby.
The Nigerian Premier Football League‘s (NPFL) top-of-the-table clash between leaders Rangers International and defending champions Enyimba ended in CHAOS after the visitors walked off in protest over a late penalty decision.
In a tension-filled Cathedral atmosphere in Enugu, the hotly anticipated Oriental Derby seemed destined to finish 0-0 after a cagey 97 minutes of action.
Rangers vs Enyimba NPFL tie inconclusive
But the game exploded into controversy in the 98th minute when the centre referee pointed to the spot after Enyimba’s Pascal Eze appeared to haul down Rangers striker Godwin Obaje as he raced through on goal.
SCENES! Enyimba players surrounded the official in furious protest before incredibly taking the REMARKABLE decision to ABANDON the match and storm off the pitch!
As Enyimba refused to return, despite pleading from officials, Rangers were left wondering whether to take the decisive penalty with no opposition on the field.
In remarkable scenes, the match was left in limbo as Enyimba’s players had already made their way back to the dressing room.
The NPFL title race now hangs in the balance with the outcome of this top-of-the-table showdown still to be determined amid Enyimba’s sensational walkout.
Will Rangers be awarded the points? Or will Enyimba’s walk-off protest see them hit with sanctions? This remarkable Oriental Derby could have huge implications in deciding who lifts the NPFL title!
DRAMA of the highest order in the Nigerian title race! Strap yourselves in for what could be weeks of fallout from this ASTONISHING turn of events!