2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 11: Rangers maintain unbeaten run with draw in Jos

Posted : 11 November 2024

The reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, extended their unbeaten run to four matches as Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu's side earned a hard-fought goalless draw with Plateau United FC in a Match Day 11 fixture of the NPFL 2024/2025 season at the Jos International Stadium, Zaria Road, Jos, on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Chief Coach of the 'Flying Antelopes,' Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who led the team to Jos in the absence of technical adviser Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu (on national team duties with the Super Eagles), made three changes to the starting lineup from Match Day 10, with goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi and the duo of Kingsley Maduforo and Nenrot Silas earning starting spots.

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The home side, under former Rangers chief coach Mbwas Mangut, were quicker off the block as they tried to dominate the midfield, while attacking sensation Vincent Temitope was tasked with probing for openings. However, those chances never materialized as the visitors’ backline held strong.

In the 12th minute, an opportunity fell for the home side after a mix-up between a Rangers defender and goalkeeper, but Temitope failed to capitalize, sending his effort off target.

As the first half neared its end, Godwin Obaje had a chance when he was released by a pass from Kazeem Ogunleye. He breezed past two defenders and was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but as he attempted to round the keeper, he was hacked down by the onrushing shot stopper at the edge of the box. The referee wasted no time in sending the goalkeeper off the pitch.

In the second half, substitute goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu’s brilliance prevented Plateau United from tasting defeat. Nwabulu made a crucial save to deny Saviour Isaac’s goal-bound shot on the hour mark and produced another reflex save to deny Kingsley Maduforo in the 73rd minute.

At the other end, Lucky Abdullahi remained alert to beat out Temitope’s long-range effort in the 82nd minute as the 10-man Plateau United side pushed for a late rally.

Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, in a post-match interview, said, “It was a great game from both sides, as the match felt like a derby, considering the number of players on both teams who had previously played for the other side.

The game became much more difficult for us when our opponents were reduced by one player, and others played to cover for the missing player.

We came to Jos with the mission to take maximum points, but one point is also good enough.”

Rangers now occupy the 6th spot on the 20-team log, with 16 points from 11 matches. They will next host Bendel Insurance in a Match Day 12 fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, November 17.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 11: Rangers maintain unbeaten run with draw in Jos

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