Enugu Rangers vs Enyimba: Oriental Derby Abandoned As Fans Protest Penalty Decision

• Enugu Rangers vs Enyimba ended abruptly as irate fans encroached on the pitch after the referee awarded the hosts a penalty
• The stakes were high at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a match that was a potential league title decider
• Rangers remain top of the table after Week 35 games with two points ahead of second-placed Enyimba, with three matches left to play

The Nigeria Professional Football League game between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba was brought to an abrupt end by irate fans.

Missiles were thrown onto the pitch from the stands after the match referee awarded the home team a penalty in the 107th minute of play.

The Week 35 cracker was a potential title decider, as a victory for Enyimba would see them overtake their opponents at the top of the table.

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Rangers are two points ahead of their opponents at the top of the table and they sought to cement their position on the standings with three points.

As the match reached its final stages, Rangers were awarded a penalty, but the visiting players staged a walkout from the pitch.

Punch reported that it took a while before Enyimba players returned onto the pitch and as the referee placed the ball at the penalty spot, some fans hurled objects at the players.

Players and officials ran for cover as the fans eventually overpowered the security at the match venue, as the game was televised live on StarTimes.

The 25,000-capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was full, with about 40,000 spectators. The match ended 0-0.

NPFL Match Day 35 results

Lobi Stars FC 3-2 Remo Stars FC

Abia Warriors FC 0 – 0 Bendel Insurance FC

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Heartland FC 3-1 Doma United FC

Bayelsa United FC 2-2 Sporting Lagos FC

Enugu Rangers International FC 0-0 Enyimba International FC (suspended )

Rivers United FC 1-0 Shooting Stars FC

Sunshine Stars FC 2-0 Akwa United FC.

Katsina United FC 4-0 Gombe United FC

Plateau United FC 2-0 Kwara United FC

Kano Pillars FC 1-1 Niger Tornadoes FC

When Finidi George departed Enyimba

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles coach Finidi George said his goodbyes to Enyimba FC as he took charge of the Nigerian men's national team.

The former Real Betis winger was appointed by the Aba-based coach three years ago and led the team to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) last season.

The 53-year-old worked as an assistant manager to Jose Peseiro at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished second behind the host nation, Ivory Coast.