The reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu missed by the whiskers an opportunity of annexing the maximum points at stake as they were held to a goalless draw by home side, Bayelsa United FC in a match day 23, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture.
The encounter which happened inside a packed, Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, saw the home side under coach Laddan Bosso searching for early goals with the trio of Simon Daniel, Ifeanyi Ogba, and Yahaya Ibrahim probing for openings that were stoutly denied by the Rangers backline anchored around the quartet of Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Ikenna Stephen, Effimi Nsi, and Kenneth Igboke.
An injury induced substitution at the half-hour mark that saw the introduction of Odoh Joel for Effimi Nsi and it turned out to be seamless as the speed star used his pace to a great advantage and pushed back the adventurous home side into their defensive shells as both sides retired to the locker rooms on equal terms.
At the start of the second stanza, coach Ilechukwu made a double-substitution that saw Daniel Onyia and Williams Wonah take the places of Bashir Usman, and Kingsley Maduforo and it turned out to be an impactful sub as the duo combined well with Godwin Obaje, Isaac Saviour and Hillary Ekawu to pressure the home side who had captain, Gabriel Biriduba and goalkeeper, Elkanah Godgift to thank for containing the onslaught.
With time running out, the home side threw more men upfront to assist Peter Ebimobowei in search of a late goal but got cut out on two well executed counter-attacking football on 90+4 and 90+6 minutes.
First, Daniel Onyia took too much time on the ball after he was set up by Obaje and his effort on goal was cleared on the line by the retrieving backline while two minutes later and deep penetrating pass from Isaac Saviour found an unmarked Obaje whose fine cross could not find any connection to the respite of the home side as the arbiter brought proceedings to an end.
Chief-coach of Rangers, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who spoke at the post-match media chat, said, “It was a great game from both sides but we had more glaring chances that would have handed us all three points but we are going back happy as the point we got here today is a valuable one. We keep pushing for better results to ensure we end the season on a very positive note.”
Rangers will next trade tackles with league leaders, Remo Stars in a match day 24 encounter on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu with kickoff slated for 3:00 pm.
CREDIT: R.I.F.C.E, MEDIA TEAM