Flying Antelopes square up against People's Elephant in a "Fight to Finish'' league title decider

Posted : 08 June 2024

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It is a fight to the finish between the Flying Antelopes and the People's Elephant at the Enugu Cathedral. It is a potential season decider, a defining game for both Enugu Rangers and their visitors, nine-time champions, Enyimba International FC.

The winners of the game on Sunday, 9th June, will definitely assume stronger leadership at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as well as in one of the deciding matches for the season.

Moreover, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 35 is also an Oriental derby that many fans look forward to.

Rangers International FC currently stand at the top of the NPFL Table with 61 points from 34 games, while Enyimba is placed second with 59 points.

A draw could pave the way for Remo Stars, who are currently placed third with the same points as Enyimba, to overtake them with just three matches remaining in the season.

Enyimba International FC coach Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel is aware of the crucial nature of the game to his team’s aspirations and has been talking tough.

Enyimba head coach Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju is optimistic that the People's Elephant will emerge triumphant in the Sunday Oriental derby.

Olanrewaju said that although he respects Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu as a senior colleague, "everyone has to defend his club and try to get the job done."

He said the Match Day 35 clash would be a tough game and a potential title decider for Enyimba, Rangers, and Remo Stars.

Olanrewaju acknowledged that on paper, Rangers are favorites this season, but Enyimba has a pedigree in the league to rise above the storm when it matters most.

"I don't think I know them that much. The way they started the season isn't the way they are playing now.

"The formation is different, and their mentality and approach to games have also changed in personnel."

"When Enyimba hosted the Flying Antelopes in Aba, the game ended in a draw, but Olanrewaju said that many things have changed since the first game," he said.

For Fidelis Ilechukwu, it would be a tough acid test for him and his team, adding that it would be a make-or-mar game for them.

"Honestly, it's going to be tough against a team that has such a pedigree of winning the league.

"Enyimba has all it takes to win it, but Rangers will keep fighting to get three points from the game.

"I know it won't be easy, but I believe Rangers can hold on until the last whistle of the remaining four games to the end of the season."

Ilechukwu has stressed the need for his players to be more ruthless in front of goal if they hope to hold on at the top of the league until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Head to head

Since 2015, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba International have competed in 13 matches among which there were 3 victories for Enugu Rangers and 5 draws.

- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (20.12.2023) 1:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (10.04.2022) 2:1
- Enugu Rangers - Enyimba International (26.12.2021) 0:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (17.06.2021) 2:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (04.06.2019) 1:0
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (05.05.2019) 3:1
- Enugu Rangers - Enyimba International (27.01.2019) 1:0
- Enugu Rangers - Enyimba International (11.03.2018) 1:0
- Enugu Rangers - Enyimba International (03.09.2017) 1:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (02.04.2017) 2:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (31.07.2016) 1:1
- Enugu Rangers - Enyimba International (27.03.2016) 2:1
- Enyimba International - Enugu Rangers (02.08.2015) 1:0

Flying Antelopes square up against People's Elephant in a "Fight to Finish'' league title decider

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