Finidi George's Enyimba were not in action but received a boost after Enugu Rangers defeated Remo Stars.
Enyimba's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence received an unlikely boost on Wednesday as regional rivals Enugu Rangers defeated fellow contenders Remo Stars at the Cathedral in Enugu.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the Flying Antelopes continued to be invincible at home following a narrow 1-0 victory against the formidable Remo Stars.
18:32 - 24.02.2024
NPFL: 23-year-old Nigerian valued at N87m helps Rangers make history at Doma United
Enugu Rangers proved too good for Doma United in Gombe in the NPFL.
14:54 - 26.02.2024
Revealed: Why Enyimba received over N1bn alert from CAF
Enyimba FC are Nigeria's most successful club and will smile to the bank after CAF's alert.
Rangers beat Remo to boost Enyimba
The Flying Antelopes earned a vital victory at their Enugu fortress, with Kenechukwu Agu netting a superb 56th-minute free-kick to clinch the points.
The win sees Rangers remain unbeaten at home this season, having incredibly won 10 and drawn just 1 of their 11 matches at the Cathedral.
Remo meanwhile left empty-handed, meaning they have now gone two games without victory as their title challenge stutters.
The result is a major lift for the home side, Rangers, who have now broken into the top four, sitting two points behind leaders, Lobi Stars, who lost away to Sunshine Stars in Akure.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ result also comes as a big boost for defending champions Enyimba, who currently sit sixth in the table. With Remo dropping points, the People's Elephant now have the chance to close the gap when they face Gombe United on Thursday.
Enyimba coach Finidi George will be delighted to see his Oriental rivals Rangers hand his title-chasers a chance in the race for NPFL glory.
Rangers' recent revival under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has brought the good times back to Enugu while shaking up the title picture.
And Enyimba now have renewed hope going into a pivotal stage of the season after their fellow contenders slipped up.
Related content
14:54 - 26.02.2024
Revealed: Why Enyimba received over N1bn alert from CAF
Enyimba FC are Nigeria's most successful club and will smile to the bank after CAF's alert.
18:32 - 24.02.2024
NPFL: 23-year-old Nigerian valued at N87m helps Rangers make history at Doma United
Enugu Rangers proved too good for Doma United in Gombe in the NPFL.
10:21 - 19.02.2024
Puskas-worthy strike settles Rangers vs Akwa United NPFL thriller
Kenneth Igboke and Enugu Rangers enjoyed a good outing against Akwa United thanks to a Puskas-worthy goal in the NPFL.
09:54 - 08.01.2024
Enyimba squeeze Tech boys Sporting Lagos into relegation mire, begin IT classes
NPFL champions Enyimba plunged Sporting Lagos into the murky waters of relegation after some football lessons in Aba.
19:46 - 06.01.2024
NPFL: Bad market for Enugu Rangers in Benin as Doma United go top
Enugu Rangers failed on their road trip to Benin to battle Bendel Insurance while Doma United continued to fly in the NPFL.
20:28 - 05.01.2024
Sporting Lagos faced with nightmare start to 2024 in the NPFL
Sporting Lagos are starring at relegation after a string of poor results in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
12:17 - 28.12.2023
Expert predictions and betting tips as Enugu Rangers return to Cathedral after 2 years
A detailed look at predictions and betting tips of Enugu Rangers' return to the Cathedral against Shooting Stars in the NPFL.
11:32 - 27.12.2023
Enugu Rangers fan rallies more support for Shooting Stars tie with N200k, 50 jerseys
Enugu Rangers are set to return to the Cathedral for the first time in over two years and the media personality wants a full house.
22:57 - 20.12.2023
If being useless was a club - Enyimba face fans' blacklash after late heartbreak against Rangers
Enugu Rangers held NPFL champions Enyimba to a share of the spoils in the Oriental derby.
18:26 - 20.12.2023
Daga to the Heart: Daniel's error costs Enyimba as Enugu Rangers end 7-year hoodoo
NPFL champions Enyimba dropped two points at home against Enugu Rangers with Daniel Daga the villain.
11:48 - 20.12.2023
NPFL Matchday 15: Expert betting tips, predictions and preview
All the betting tips, predictions and details you need to know about the top four matches in the NPFL matchday 15.
10:56 - 18.12.2023
Rangers 2-0 Sporting Lagos: Flying Antelopes take advantage of naive Tech Boys to end winless run
Newly promoted Sporting Lagos remain without a win on the road after another barren outing against Enugu Rangers.