2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 23: Defending champions, Rangers Int'l, earn valuable point in Yenagoa

Posted : 11 February 2025

The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International FC, under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, narrowly missed the opportunity to secure maximum points as they were held to a goalless draw by Bayelsa United FC in their 2024/2025 NPFL Matchday 23 fixture.

The encounter, played at the packed Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, saw the home side, led by coach Ladan Bosso, searching for early goals. The attacking trio of Simon Daniel, Ifeanyi Ogba, and Yahaya Ibrahim pressed forward but were repeatedly denied by the resolute Rangers backline, anchored by Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Ikenna Stephen, Effimi Nsi, and Kenneth Igboke.

An injury-induced substitution at the half-hour mark saw Odoh Joel replace Effimi Nsi. The change proved seamless, as the pacey winger used his speed to great advantage, forcing the adventurous home side into a defensive stance. Both teams went into the break on level terms.

At the start of the second half, coach Ilechukwu made a double substitution, introducing Daniel Onyia and Williams Wonah for Bashir Usman and Kingsley Maduforo. The impact was immediate, as the duo combined well with Godwin Obaje, Isaac Saviour, and Hillary Ekawu to pile pressure on the home team. However, Bayelsa United had captain Gabriel Biriduba and goalkeeper Elkanah Godgift to thank for keeping them in the game.

With time running out, the home side pushed more men forward to support Peter Ebimobowei in search of a late winner. However, they were caught out twice on well-executed counterattacks in the 94th and 96th minutes.

First, Daniel Onyia hesitated too long after being set up by Obaje, allowing the Bayelsa defense to clear his effort off the line. Then, a deep, penetrating pass from Isaac Saviour found an unmarked Obaje, but his fine cross failed to find a connection, much to the relief of the home side as the referee blew the final whistle.

Speaking at the post-match media briefing, Rangers’ chief coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, said, “It was a great game from both sides.

"We had more clear-cut chances that could have given us all three points, but we are leaving here happy because this point is a valuable one.

"We will keep pushing for better results to ensure we finish the season on a very positive note."

Rangers will next face league leaders Remo Stars in a Matchday 24 encounter on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at ‘The Cathedral,’ Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 pm.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 23: Defending champions, Rangers Int'l, earn valuable point in Yenagoa

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