League leaders Kano Pillars maintained its position on top of the Nigeria Premier League but had to dig deep before overcoming Enugu Rangers in a matchday 23 encounter in Kano.

Kano was made silent within 12 seconds of the match when Christian Obiozor put the visitors ahead with the fastest goal in the league so far this season.

Nigeria international midfielder Rabiu Ali equalised for the hosts after 18 minutes from the spot league’s leading goalscorer Osagona Ighodaro restored Rangers’ lead after 35 minutes with his 13th goal of the season.

Ali however equalised again for Kano Pillars just before half-time, going on to win all three points for the home side in the closing 10 minutes with a second penalty to complete his hattrick.

Kano Pillars as a result now have 40 points after 23 matches, two points ahead of Nasarawa United now in second place on 38 points while Federation Cup finalists Dolphins of Port-harcourt and Enyimba of Aba are up to third and fourth respectively with 37 points and 36 points respectively.

Ugochukwu Leonard and Yaro Bature got the goals for Nasarawa United in a 2-1 win over relegation threatened Bayelsa United while goals in each half from Emem Eduok and Ifeanyi Egwim gave Dolphins a 2-0 win at home to second from bottom Crown FC.

Like Dolphins, Enyimba maintained their charge for a double this season following a 2-0 win over Warri Wolves in Aba with Mfon Udoh in the 12th minute and Nzube Anaezemba just past the hour mark getting the goals for the Aba Elephants.

In other matches played in the NPL, Kaduna United eased its relegation troubles with a lone goal win at home to Akwa United while bottom club Nembe City as well claimed a lone goal win over Abia Warriors that dropped to fifth from second place as a result.

Heartland came away from Port-harcourt with a 1-1 draw against Sharks while Austin Eguavoen’s Gombe United beat Lobi Stars 3-1 and Giwa FC got a lone goal win at home to Sunshine Stars.