2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 24: Rangers Int'l FC floors Remo Stars in Enugu

Posted : 17 February 2025

A goal in each half of the matchday 24, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture against table-topping Remo Stars ensured that the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C., earned the bragging rights as they edged past the Ikenne side 2-1 inside ‘The Cathedral,’ Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu kept faith with the matchday squad that earned a point in Yenagoa last week, except for Effimi Nsi and Ikenna Stephen, and the selected team never disappointed as they stood shoulder to shoulder above Coach Daniel Ogunmodede's side.

The visitors could have been behind earlier than when they conceded, as the enterprising Bashir Usman missed a sitter in the 21st minute after being fed by Joel Odoh. However, there was no stopping the defending champions of the league at the half-hour mark when Isaac Saviour fired an unstoppable free kick from about 25 meters that sailed into the net, despite efforts by Kayode Bankole to make a save.

When both sides returned to the pitch from the locker room for the start of the second half, it was the home side that continued from where they left off in the first. Kingsley Maduforo stabbed home the second goal for the home side when he connected with an inch-perfect cross from Flying Eagles’ assistant captain and Rangers left-back, Kenneth Igboke, just three minutes into the second half. The half-full stadium erupted in wild jubilation.

There were chances to further punish the table-topping side in the 68th and 84th minutes, but goalkeeper Bankole produced some fine saves to keep his side in the game.

In the 88th minute, Sikiru Alimi pulled a goal back for the Ikenne side as he was allowed enough space by the defense line to stab home what turned out to be a consolation goal.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, in the post-match interactive session, said, “It was a good game that could have been better if we had converted more of the opportunities created.

"I know we are having some difficult times with injuries to some key players like Kenechukwu Agu, Ejike Ugochukwu, and Kazeem Ogunleye, but we are gradually getting back into our groove.

“I knew that today’s game was going to be difficult against the current league leaders, but defeating them here in Enugu says a lot about our intentions this season.”

With the win, Rangers now occupy the 3rd spot on the 20-team log with 38 points from 24 matches and will next travel to Umuahia for a matchday 25 fixture against oriental rivals, Abia Warriors, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 24: Rangers Int'l FC floors Remo Stars in Enugu

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