2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 6: Sunshine Stars inflict season's second defeat on Rangers

Posted : 14 October 2024

The defending champions of the NPFL, Rangers International FC, were set back in their quest to retain the trophy they won last June. A late first-half goal by Stephen Chukwude secured all three points for Sunshine Stars in a Match Day 6 NPFL 2024/2025 fixture held at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Coach Godwin Nosike had a full squad available, similar to the one that defeated Abia Warriors in the recent ‘Oriental Derby,’ except for Japhet Opubo and Chinemerem Ugwueze. Their positions were filled by Lucky Abdullahi and Hillary Ekawu for this critical match, but it proved to be a challenging day for the Enugu side, particularly in the first half.

The hosts created early chances in the encounter, but Lucky Abdullahi held his ground to keep them at bay. At the other end, Isaac Saviour and Evans Ogbonda narrowly missed their target as the match passed the half-hour mark.

Just minutes before the first half ended, former Rangers player Stephen Chukwude capitalized on a lapse in the visitors' defense, slotting the ball past Abdullahi for what became the game's only goal in the 43rd minute. This goal sent the home supporters and bench into wild celebrations.

At the start of the second half, the Rangers’ coaching staff introduced Silas Nenrot and Frank Uwumiro, replacing Isaac Saviour and Chiedozie Okorie. The changes pushed the home team into a defensive stance, but Sunshine Stars still created opportunities they failed to convert.

Hillary Ekawu had the best chance to level the score in the 89th minute after a slick exchange of passes, but his shot narrowly missed the target, and the match ended soon after.

After the game, Coach Godwin Nosike commented, “We had a very poor first half and gave our opponents too much space, which led to the goal we conceded. We came back stronger in the second half and could have drawn the match if we had converted our late chance. We will work on the lapses we observed today and aim to return to winning ways.”

Following this result, Rangers now sit in 5th place after six matches, with ten points. Their next match is against Kano Pillars FC on Match Day 7 at 'The Cathedral,' Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 6: Sunshine Stars inflict season's second defeat on Rangers

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