2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Rangers International FC snatches a point in Ilorin

Posted : 29 October 2024

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) reigning champions, Rangers International FC, on Monday, October 28, 2024, in a re-arranged matchday 9 fixture at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, earned a valuable point as a 44th-minute goal by Kingsley Maduforo canceled out an earlier lead by the hosts, Kwara United, resulting in both sides sharing the spoils.

The coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu-led side, guided on this trip by chief coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, stuck with the matchday squad that held Akwa United to a draw a week prior. They could have taken an early lead if not for the alertness of goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmos at the 2nd minute.

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Chances also fell to Kazeem Ogunleye and Isaac Saviour in the 4th and 15th minutes, but Badmos showed his skill, while the Rangers backline displayed great coordination, providing cover for Lucky Abdullahi.

The home side gradually emerged from their defensive shell as the game passed the half-hour mark, with Junior Aimufua, Issa Gata, and Wasiu Alalade probing for opportunities. This pressure paid off in the last five minutes of the first period when Yahaya Ibrahim delivered a perfect cross that was expertly slotted in by Shola Abdulraheem in the 42nd minute, sending the near-capacity crowd into celebration.

Two minutes later, the visitors drew level when Kingsley Maduforo met a corner kick from Kazeem Ogunleye with a precise bicycle kick that silenced the crowd, while the few traveling fans celebrated.

In the second half, the home side appeared hungrier, pushing the visitors back but failing to break through the well-organized defense line, while the visitors looked to counter-attack.

The introduction of Godwin Obaje and Chinecherem Ugwueze in the last ten minutes saw the visitors press further for a winning goal, but goalkeeper Badmos made two excellent saves to deny Obaje and Odoh Joel. The match ended after running its full course.

In a post-match chat, Rangers chief coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu said, “We came to Ilorin with a game plan to take all three points, but I thank God for the draw we earned. Kwara is a strong side, given their recent results, and we came prepared. We’ll return to our base and prepare seriously for our next game against Nasarawa United in Enugu. I thank God for this result.”

Kingsley Maduforo, in his post-match remarks, said, “I am really happy for the goal I scored, and I dedicate it to the entire team, as we fought very hard together for this result against Kwara United, who gave us a great challenge.”

With this result, Rangers now have twelve points from nine matches, occupy the 9th spot on the 20-team log, and will next play Nasarawa United F.C. in a matchday 10 fixture scheduled for Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on November 3.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Rangers International FC snatches a point in Ilorin

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