Leaders face tough task in Minna

Enugu Rangers. Photo credit: Web

Enugu Rangers visit Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on Sunday in Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 13, with the league leaders facing a side that has yet to lose at home this season.

Rangers lead the table on 24 points from 11 matches, two points clear of Kano Pillars, who have played 13. They beat Kwara United 1-0 in Awka last Sunday, thanks to a goal in the 40th minute. Bendel Insurance, now third on 21 points, lost 2-1 away to Shooting Stars on Friday night, so a win in Minna would let the defending champions pull further clear.

The Flying Antelopes have won seven, drawn three and lost one of their 11 games, with a goal difference of plus seven. Away from home they have won two, drawn two and lost once in five games, a solid return, although not the record of a side that rolls over its hosts.

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Tornadoes are 11th with 16 points from 12 matches, having won four, drawn four and lost four, with a goal difference of zero. Their home record is the reason they are not lower, with three wins and three draws at the Bako Kontagora Stadium. They arrive after a 2-1 defeat at Bendel Insurance in Benin City, where John Taiwo scored the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The table shapes the game. Rangers have played fewer matches than most of their rivals, so even a point in Minna would keep them in control. Tornadoes are eight points behind the leaders and will see victory over them as the best evidence yet that their home ground is a real fortress.

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