Intriguing Rangers, Enyimba Match Abandoned At Tale End, Fans Invade Pitch On Controversial Penalty

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Cathedral Stadium in Enugu State was filled with scenes of the beauty of football until the late drama and disappointment close to the 90 minutes, as the highly anticipated Oriental Derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba was abandoned under controversial circumstances.

Everywhere choke today from the Ranger Intl Vs Enyimba FC Derby going on in Enugu State 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5Otu6YSXv5

— Nwa ❤️ (@Nwaadaz) June 9, 2024

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash, tagged #RANENY, saw over 20,000 passionate fans fill the stadium for what was billed as the most significant derby in Africa.

The match, which was crucial in the race for the NPFL title, had both teams locked in a tense 0-0 stalemate at halftime and throughout the second half.

Enugu Rangers, leading the league standings with 60 points, faced a stern challenge from second-placed Enyimba, trailing by just two points. The outcome of this week’s 35 fixtures was set to significantly impact the title race.

However, the encounter took a dramatic turn deep into stoppage time. In the 101st minute, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Enugu Rangers, which sparked immediate and intense protests from the Enyimba players.

Fans troubles in Enugu after Rangers was awarded a late penalty.

Enyimba fans encroached the pitch and paused play.

This is what you get when you have clueless NPFL Board.

I knew it would get to this stage.

League organizers and NFF don't prepare for big games.

Our NPFL… pic.twitter.com/cGO49AC1uv

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) June 9, 2024

The Flying Antelopes’ fans, sensing victory, were ecstatic, but the mood quickly soured as the protests escalated.

Efforts to resume play were thwarted when some fans invaded the pitch, causing chaos and ultimately leading to the abandonment of the match.

Security personnel were overwhelmed by the sudden surge, and the situation quickly became unmanageable.

The league body has yet to make an official statement regarding the match and the next steps, leaving fans and teams in limbo. The NPFL’s decision will be crucial in determining the season’s outcome, as the abandoned match holds significant weight in the title race.

This abrupt end to the Oriental Derby has cast a shadow over what was meant to showcase Nigerian football at its finest.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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