2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Rangers earn vital point against Enyimba International FC

Posted : 04 December 2024

The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International FC, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, secured a vital away draw in Aba in a re-arranged Match Day 15 NPFL 2024/2025 fixture against Enyimba International FC at the Enyimba Stadium. This result extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu maintained the same match-day squad that demolished Lobi Stars 3-0 in their last game in Enugu. His defense put on a solid performance, with goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi making crucial saves to deny the "Aba Elephants" several scoring opportunities.

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The home side started the game aggressively in front of their massive home crowd. However, Chinemerem Ugwueze, Ejike Ugochukwu, and the rest of the Rangers' backline successfully neutralized the attacking threats posed by Ekene Awazie, Kalu Nweke, Clinton Jephter, and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.

Rangers' Godwin Obaje had the best chance of the first half but missed after a neat interchange of passes between Isaac Saviour, Kazeem Ogunleye, and Chinemerem Ugwueze set him free. However, he failed to beat goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena, leaving the visiting bench frustrated by the missed opportunity.

At the other end, Lucky Abdullahi displayed his class with a full-stretch dive to deny Imoh Obot’s goal-bound free kick from the edge of the box, much to the dismay of the home fans.

In the second half, the home team became even hungrier for the opening goal, while the "Flying Antelopes" defended resolutely and relied on occasional counter-attacks that failed to trouble Enyimba's defense, expertly led by Paschal Eze.

Rangers' chief coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, praised the match as highly entertaining, noting that both teams gave their all, though no goals were scored to celebrate their efforts.

“It was a good result for us, Rangers. Coming all the way from Enugu to take a point from Enyimba was not an easy task, even though our target was to secure all three points in this highly entertaining encounter.

"Both teams played well, but my players were at their best, sitting back and hitting our opponents on the counter. The result will surely motivate the boys in subsequent games as we continue our unbeaten run.”

With the result, Rangers now sit 4th on the 20-team table with 24 points from 16 matches. They will next face league leaders Rivers United FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, Dec. 8.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Rangers earn vital point against Enyimba International FC

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