Flying Antelopes Hope to Continue Unbeaten Streak

Posted : 14 December 2024

The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, have landed in Katsina, the state capital, optimistic about maintaining their unbeaten streak, which has stretched to nine games this season. They will confront Katsina United FC in a Match Day 17, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture at Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday.

Still basking in the euphoria of their victory over table-toppers Rivers United in Enugu over the weekend, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored side, led by Chief Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu for this crucial match, are determined to secure maximum points in Katsina, similar to their 2021/2022 season opener.

Despite the absence of the trio of Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Kazeem Ogunleye, and Isaac Saviour, who are on national duty with the Super Eagles B team preparing for CHAN qualifiers against Ghana, the traveling squad is in excellent form and highly motivated to achieve a positive result.

Goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi, who has kept eight clean sheets since the start of the season, stated that the team is in Katsina to secure all three points, helping to push for a top finish as the first round of the league concludes in two weeks. Abdullahi also hopes his performances between the sticks for Rangers will draw attention from national team selectors.

“We are in Katsina to get the three points. We are here to produce a good result after a solid performance. Katsina United is undoubtedly a great team, but we are in great form, and with God’s grace, I’m confident we’ll make our fans happy at the end of the match. I’ve set a target of 17 clean sheets for myself this season, and I thank God and my teammates for helping me achieve that as the first round nears its conclusion,” said the bulky but agile shot stopper.

Last season, the encounter ended in favor of the hosts, who won 4-3 in a thrilling seven-goal match. However, the reigning champions will face a tough challenge in this fixture, as the attacking duo of Godwin Obaje and Frank Uwumiro are in excellent form and will look to test the home side's defense, led by Nasiru Sani, Okoh Moses, Abdullahi Musa, and Okoko Emmanuel, who will provide the necessary cover for Kolimba Alladoum.

In the middle of the park, where the battle for supremacy will unfold, the duo of Chinemerem Ugwueze and Hillary Ekawu will face off against Usman Bara’u and Azeez Falolu.

In 13 encounters between both sides since 2017, Rangers have triumphed seven times, compared to four wins for Katsina United, with two matches ending in draws.

Heading into this fixture, Katsina United's form over their last six matches is: L, W, L, W, D, L. Rangers International FC's last six matches are: W, D, W, D, W, D. Rangers are in 3rd place with 27 points from 16 matches, while Katsina United sits in 14th place with 19 points from 16 matches.

Flying Antelopes Hope to Continue Unbeaten Streak

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