2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 18: Panicked Rangers Int'l throws gate open for fixture against Shooting Stars

Posted : 22 December 2024

Arguably, the clash between the oldest traditional clubs in Nigeria is one of the most exciting matches to watch, as Rangers International FC of Enugu, the defending champions of the league, is now set to square off against their archrivals, Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan.

It has always been a high-intensity game and tough rivalry since the days of players like Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, and Best Ogedegbe, who competed against Christian Chukwu and Emmanuel Okala, to name a few.

This rivalry has spanned over 25 years, and this season is the first in many where both teams are contesting at the top of the league table together.

For the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, both teams are separated by just one point, but the gap could widen if the Flying Antelopes win. The Oluyole Warriors, on the other hand, could overtake their hosts into third place if they manage to shock Rangers in Enugu.

In what could be a panicked response, the Flying Antelopes management has decided to throw open the gates for the Shooting Stars match.

This strategy has worked for the 8-time league winners, as it proved successful in their fixture against Rivers United FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, also known as the “Cathedral.”

To attract more fans and inspire them to cheer the team to victory, Rangers have concluded plans to open the gates for their Matchday 18 fixture against Shooting Stars.

The reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stated that this move is aimed at appreciating the club’s supporters during the Yuletide period, as the encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side defeated Shooting Stars 2-0 in the same fixture last season, with Kalu Nweke and Chukwuebuka Okorie on target.

For Gbenga Ogunbote, it will be a homecoming, as he managed Rangers between 2017 and 2019, during which time he won the FA Cup title with them.

In the last 16 encounters, Rangers have recorded six wins, lost five times, and drawn five. Rangers defeated Shooting Stars 2-0 the last time they met.

Rangers start the game with 28 points, one point ahead of Shooting Stars, who are in fourth place.

While Rangers are on a 10-match unbeaten run, they have recorded five draws in that sequence. Shooting Stars have only scored twice on the road in their last 10 games.

Head to Head:

Since 2022, Rangers International FC and Shooting Stars have played 4 matches, with Rangers winning 1 and 2 draws.

Shooting Stars - Enugu Rangers (12.06.2024) 1:0
Enugu Rangers - Shooting Stars (28.12.2023) 2:0
Enugu Rangers - Shooting Stars (02.07.2022) 2:2
Shooting Stars - Enugu Rangers (02.03.2022) 1:1

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 18: Panicked Rangers Int'l throws gate open for fixture against Shooting Stars

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