A dominant performance by Warri Wolves FC saw them defeat Rangers International FC 2-0 on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Southern Delta University Football Pitch in Ozoro.
The loss denied the Enugu-based club any points from the match day 2 fixture of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Rangers’ coach Fidelis Ilechukwu made several changes to the squad that drew in their season opener. He opted for an adventurous 4-4-2 formation, which saw the visitors dominate possession throughout the first half.
Despite their control, Rangers struggled to create meaningful chances and failed to convert their dominance into goals.
The home side, Warri Wolves, broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half. In the 45+3 minute, Godwin Oham unleashed a curling strike from inside the box that sailed past Rangers’ goalkeeper George Abine, who was slightly off his line. The spectacular goal sent the home fans and bench into a frenzy.
Trailing by a goal, Rangers came out aggressively in the second half, pushing more players forward in a desperate search for an equalizer. However, this offensive push backfired in the 77th minute when Prince Ebhohon capitalized on the space created and slammed home Warri Wolves’ second goal of the match.
Rangers’ efforts to salvage a point proved futile as the Wolves’ defense held strong, soaking up all the pressure until the final whistle. The victory marked a significant win for Warri Wolves against the eight-time Nigerian league champions.
In a post-match interview, Coach Ilechukwu expressed his disappointment but did not make excuses, acknowledging that both teams played on the same “bad” pitch.
He took full responsibility for the tactical risks he took in the second half, which led to his team conceding the second goal.
“It was not the result we wanted,” Ilechukwu said. “We did very well in the first period. The pitch was so bad… but I am not making excuses as both teams played on it.”
He assured disappointed fans that the team would turn things around. “This season is going to be a tough one for us but it will be one that we shall all be proud about,” he added.
Rangers will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Plateau United FC on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Enugu.
CREDIT: R.I.F.C.E Media Team