2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 26: When the stars fail to shine in Enugu

Posted : 27 February 2025

A brace from fast-paced winger Bashir Usman and another goal by forward Kingsley Maduforo, in a dominant first-half display, ensured that reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International FC earned the maximum points in a Matchday 26 NPFL 2024/2025 fixture, as Sunshine Stars FC were stunned by three unanswered goals.

The visitors, led by coach Abubakar Bala, launched early attacks immediately after kickoff, with Liman Ahmadu, Seth Mayi, and Stephen Chukwude leading the charge. However, the Rangers backline, ably marshaled by Austin Opara, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Joel Odoh, and Evans Ogbonda, stood firm and repelled the early raids inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Fast-paced winger Bashir Usman grabbed a brace within three minutes. He reacted the quickest inside the opponent’s box, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and stabbed home the opening goal in the 25th minute. Three minutes later, he volleyed in a chipped cross from Godwin Obaje to complete his brace.

Kingsley Maduforo swept home the third goal for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ in the 41st minute, connecting with an Isaac Saviour cross. On the stroke of halftime, Obaje missed a sitter as Evans Ogbonda’s incisive cross went begging.

The introduction of Williams Wonah for Kingsley Maduforo at the start of the second half by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu further pushed the visitors back. However, the ‘Owena Waves’ did not concede any more goals, thanks to goalkeeper Ishola Abdulateef, who produced breathtaking saves to deny Obaje, Wonah, and Okorie at various moments before the referee brought proceedings to an end.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, in his post-match interview, said, “I think that in today’s game, as much as we won, it was not the best of Rangers. I think we had opportunities to capitalize on the chances we created, but we were only able to convert three. However, we take the positives from this encounter into our next match with the hope of building on them.”

With the victory, Rangers now occupy 3rd place on the log after 26 rounds of matches with 41 points, behind Remo Stars and 3SC. They will next face Kano Pillars FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 26: When the stars fail to shine in Enugu

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