2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Rangers suffer fourth home defeat to rampaging Plateau United FC

Posted : 28 March 2025

The reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, were denied all points at stake in a rearranged Match Day 31 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as visiting Plateau United FC secured victory, courtesy of substitute Kalu Samuel’s 72nd-minute strike against the run of play.

The home side started the encounter strongly, with the attacking duo of Kingsley Maduforo and Chiedozie Okorie pushing forward into the opponent’s final third. However, goalkeeper Amah John stood firm for the ‘Peace Boys,’ making several outstanding saves to keep his goal intact.

Maduforo, Okorie, and Isaac Saviour had clear chances in the 18th, 21st, and 30th minutes to put the ‘Flying Antelopes’ ahead but were denied, largely due to John Amah’s brilliance in goal.

After both teams returned from the locker room with the scores still level, Rangers resumed their attacking efforts. Just five minutes into the second half, Amah was once again called into action, expertly saving a well-struck shot from Kingsley Maduforo.

With the visitors defending resolutely, Rangers created two more opportunities in the 63rd and 70th minutes. Saviour’s long-range shot narrowly missed the target, while Uwumiro watched in disbelief as his well-placed header was easily gathered by Plateau United’s goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, as Rangers committed more players forward in search of the opening goal, they left gaps at the back, which the visitors exploited. A swift counter-attack saw substitute Sabbath Mancha skip past his marker to deliver a pinpoint cross for Kalu Samuel, who made no mistake in finishing.

Despite late efforts by the home side to salvage the situation, including the introduction of FIFA World Cup star Okechukwu Uchebo, they failed to break through. Goalkeeper Amah John stood tall, making crucial saves on multiple occasions to secure Plateau United’s win and hand Rangers their fourth home defeat of the season.

In his post-match remarks, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said, “This was one of our best performances in terms of play, but in terms of converting chances, it was one of our worst. That is what makes football unpredictable, but we won’t give up. We congratulate Plateau United on their win. We will go back home to re-strategize and prepare for the upcoming matches.”

Team captain Chinemerem Ugwueze also shared his thoughts, saying, “This is not the result we expected. We came into the match aiming for a win, but that’s football. We created chances but failed to capitalize. Now, we must work harder in our remaining matches to finish the season on a high note.”

Rangers remain in 5th place on the league table with 45 points from 31 matches. The team will now shift focus to the President Federation Cup 2025 round of 32 fixture against Heartland FC, scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Awka City Stadium. Following that, they will travel to Benin City for a Match Day 32 NPFL 2024/2025 clash against Bendel Insurance FC over the weekend.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Rangers suffer fourth home defeat to rampaging Plateau United FC

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