The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu, earned a valuable point on Monday in their rescheduled Match Day 8 of the NPFL 2024/2025 season. Their solid defending denied the home team, Akwa United FC, a chance to secure maximum points at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu opted for a 4-3-3 formation to counter the fast-paced opponents led by coach Umar Abdullahi, who was standing in for technical adviser Baba Ganaru. Ilechukwu gave starts to Silas Nenrot, Kingsley Maduforo, Effimi Nsi, Frank Uwumiro, and Lucky Abdullahi, resting some regulars.
The hosts were quick to settle into their rhythm, with Reuben Bala, Chijioke Alaekwe, and Seyi Oguntayo leading the attack, but Rangers' back four put up a strong resistance. Austin Opara and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi stood out, while goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi did well between the posts.
In the 28th minute, Akwa United had a big chance, but Edidiong Ezekiel’s effort was blocked. A minute later, Isaac Saviour missed a great opportunity at the other end after being set up by Kazeem Ogunleye.
The biggest chance of the match came in the 95th minute when a defensive mix-up allowed the ball to fall to Frank Uwumiro, but his curled shot from a tight angle missed the target.
After the match, Coach Ilechukwu said, “We thank God for the result today. Our opponents gave us a tough fight, but we were strong defensively and could have won it late in the game. Akwa created chances but didn’t take them, and that’s football. After our home loss, we had a heart-to-heart talk, which helped us secure this result. We are happy with it.”
Rangers now have 11 points from eight matches, sitting in 8th place on the 20-team log. Their next fixture is against Kwara United in Match Day 9 this weekend at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.
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