Nigeria’s top-flight league witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Sunday night as the crucial “Oriental Derby” between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba FC was abandoned.
The match, played at a sold-out Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, was poised for a dramatic finish when a late penalty decision sparked controversy and ultimately led to Enyimba’s walk-off protest.
With the score tied at 0-0 in stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Rangers after an Enyimba defender was adjudged to have brought down a home striker.
This decision infuriated the Enyimba players, who promptly walked off the pitch in protest.
The action triggered a pitch invasion by hundreds of home fans, further escalating the situation.
The penalty, if converted, would have put Rangers in a commanding position in the title race.
A win would have given them a five-point lead over defending champions Enyimba with only two rounds remaining. Enyimba, clearly unhappy with the officiating, took to social media to express their discontent, stating they “came to play, not for a war” with the hashtag #FootballWithoutViolence.
This dramatic turn of events throws the Nigerian Professional Football League title race wide open. While Enyimba remains in second place, Remo Stars, who lost earlier on Sunday, are now just a point behind them.
The outcome of the abandoned match and any potential disciplinary actions will have a significant impact on the final league standings.
With the top two spots in the league guaranteeing participation in the prestigious CAF Champions League, the battle for Nigerian football supremacy has taken a dramatic turn.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the league authorities decide on the fate of the abandoned match and determine the rightful contenders for the championship title.