Video: Rangers, Enyimba match abandoned as fans invade pitch over late penalty call
The Rangers vs Enyimba game has been abandoned after a late penalty call awarded to the Flying Antelopes in a Week 35 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match.
The highly anticipated Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ended in chaos as the match between league leaders Rangers and their rivals Enyimba was abandoned following a contentious penalty decision.
The derby, crucial for the title race with Rangers leading the standings with 60 points and Enyimba just two points behind, drew a massive crowd eager for an intense football showdown.
The game delivered on excitement, remaining fiercely contested until the final minute.
The controversy began in stoppage time, with the score still goalless. Rangers were awarded a penalty seven minutes into added time after a foul prevented one of their attackers from capitalizing on a loose ball in the box.
The decision sparked immediate protests from Enyimba players, who vehemently confronted the referee.
Tensions escalated dramatically when fans invaded the pitch, forcing Enyimba players to walk off.
The identity of the encroaching fans remains unclear, and attempts to resume the match were unsuccessful, leading to its abandonment.
As of now, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This is not the first controversy involving Enyimba this season.
In a previous match against Doma United, the game was also abandoned following a disputed winning goal, resulting in Enyimba being fined N7 million and their stadium being closed for three home matches.