Eight-time and reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C, on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in a match day 16, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture, stopped the high riding Rivers United F.C courtesy of a lone strike off a headed effort by skipper of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze.
Chief-coach of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu handed starts to the trio of Agu Kenechukwu, Ikenna Stephen and Hillary Ekawu in the absence of the Super Eagles B team invitees while keeping faith with the other team members that secured a valuable draw in Aba, midweek, and the squad never disappointed.
The visitors under coach Finidi George took the fight to the home side after taking the kickoff but met very stiff resistance from the backline of the home side ably marshalled by Austin Opara, Kenneth Igboke, Effimi Nsi and Ikenna Stephen.
A long-throw from Hillary Ekawu at the quarter-hour was nodded home by captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes, Chinemerem Ugwueze as the large fans that turned up for the top-of-the-table fixture rose to celebrate in unison.
On 35 minutes, Rangers would have extended its lead when Godwin Obaje set up Hillary Ekawu but the attacking-midfielder’ left-footed effort missed the target by a few inches as the home side’ dugout rued the opportunity gone begging while the visitors heaved a sigh of relief.
In the second period, coach Finidi made three substitutions which helped in pushing back the home side into its defensive shells but despite having a large percentage of possession of the ball, failed to break through the resolute backline of the home side just as it was the visitor’s goalkeeper that was the busier of the two shot stoppers as he did well to stop several attempts made by the attacking trio of Frank Uwumiro, Godwin Obaje and substitute, Daniel Onyia.
With the win, Rangers now occupy the 3rd spot of the twenty team log with 27 points from sixteen matches and extend its unbeaten run to nine matches and will next trade tackles with Katsina United on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Katsina state.
CREDIT: R.I.F.C.E , MEDIA TEAM