2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 5: Rangers International set for ambush against Abia Warriors in Oriental derby

Posted : 06 October 2024

The reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, will on Sunday, Oct. 6, seek to enhance their position on the log with an emphatic victory over neighbors Abia Warriors FC in an ‘Oriental Derby’ Match Day 5 fixture of the NPFL 2024/2025 season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Still basking in the euphoria of their 1-0 win over Bayelsa United F.C. in a rearranged Match Day 3 fixture on Thursday, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ will be banking on the return of some players who are coming back from injuries to stop the Coach Imama Amapakabo-tutored side, which has not lost a game on the road since the start of the season.

With only two points separating the two sides, Rangers perched in 7th place on the log with seven points, while Abia Warriors occupy 12th place with five points, an explosive encounter is expected inside ‘The Cathedral,’ with the Enugu side getting a boost from the return of Onyekachi Okafor and Joel Odoh, who have been out due to injuries.

The Technical Adviser of Rangers, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, is optimistic about getting a good result in the encounter, even as he acknowledges that it will be difficult against his compatriot, Coach Imama Amapakabo, whom he describes as a mentor.

“We are always positive in every game. It has not been easy for us until now, but we are gradually finding the blend needed to successfully defend our trophy.

“Against Abia Warriors, we are going to pick up our three points against a coach I respect so much and consider my mentor.

“We will defend our name and badge and ensure that we make our fans happy at the end of the match. It will be a difficult match, but we are prepared to get the needed result,” said Coach Ilechukwu.

The captain of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze, expressed, “I think it is not going to be an easy match, considering the fact that we are playing against our former coach, who led us to the trophy in 2016. However, we are always positive going into any of our matches, and this is no different.

“Our fans should come out in large numbers to cheer us to another win as we push to successfully defend the trophy we won last season.”

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 5: Rangers International set for ambush against Abia Warriors in Oriental derby

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