Rangers International strengthened their grip on the top spot in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a 1-0 victory over Kwara United, while Bendel Insurance and Barau FC also recorded important wins in Matchday 12.

Victor Chimezie scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute at the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday to hand Rangers maximum points and extend their advantage at the summit.

The victory moved the Flying Antelopes to 24 points from 11 matches, opening a three-point gap over second-placed Bendel Insurance, who have played one game more.

Bendel Insurance maintained their pursuit of the leaders with a 2-1 comeback victory over Niger Tornadoes in Benin City.

Aliyu Mohammed gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute before Jonathan Mairiga restored parity in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time.

John Taiwo then completed the turnaround with a 90th-minute winner, taking the Benin Arsenal to 21 points from 12 matches.

Barau FC also claimed a narrow 1-0 home victory over Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

An own goal by Olakunle Akala in the ninth minute proved decisive as the hosts secured all three points. The result took Barau to 19 points, level with Kano Pillars, who occupy fifth position on superior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Ranchers Bees defeated Enyimba 1-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, with Chiedozie Jude Okorie scoring the only goal in the 42nd minute.

The result lifted Ranchers Bees to 12 points from 11 matches, while Enyimba remained on 11 points after 12 outings.

Abia Warriors and Doma United shared the points in a 2-2 draw in Aba, with Emeka Obioma scoring twice for the hosts.

Tijani Azeez and Samuel Akpan were on target for Doma United, who moved to 16 points from 11 matches, while Abia Warriors climbed to 11 points.

Warri Wolves and Katsina United also played out a 1-1 draw. Luis Dadong opened the scoring for Katsina United before Sabastine Uche equalised in the 72nd minute.

Katsina United moved to 17 points, while Warri Wolves remained on 11 points following their three-point deduction.

In Friday’s encounter, Kun Khalifat and Kano Pillars settled for a 1-1 draw. Sikiru Alimi gave Pillars the lead in the 76th minute before Ebuka Okoro converted a late penalty to rescue a point for the hosts.

With the latest results, Rangers remain top of the standings with 24 points, followed by Bendel Insurance on 21 points and Nasarawa United on 20.

Barau FC and Kano Pillars occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively with 19 points each, while Rivers United sit sixth with 18 points.

Matchday 12 programme continues on Monday as Ikorodu City host Inter Lagos in a Lagos derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Meanwhile, the scheduled fixture between Sporting Lagos and Rivers United has been postponed, leaving Rivers United with a game in hand.