2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 14: Win against Sporting Lagos FC came through sweat, says Rangers Int'l FC Chief Coach

Posted : 18 December 2023

The Chief coach of Rangers International FC, Alli Suleman, said on Monday that the win over Sporting Lagos FC was tough, and the team had to sweat for it.

“It was a good game against a strong side, but we wanted it more and got the result we worked for.

Recall that a goal in each half of a highly entertaining Match Day 14 NPFL 2023/2024 fixture ensured that the ‘Flying Antelopes,’ Rangers International FC, got back to winning ways, stopping a youthful Sporting Lagos F.C before the appreciative supporters at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday.

The Flying Antelopes Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, opted for a more attacking play in this encounter as he rested more than half of the Match Day 13 team squad that started in Yenagoa, and he was not disappointed with the blistering start of the match from his wards.

The quartet of Chidiebere Nwobodo, Austin Onyemaechi, Okorie Chiedozie, and Naziru Auwalu went on a rampage at the start, but the brilliance of the visitor’s goalkeeper, Nwoke Christian, prevented goals, reacting well to push out Auwalu's shot and standing firm against Chimezie's left-footed shot.

In the 9th minute, Austin Onyemaechi broke the deadlock with a stinging shot through the goalkeeper’s legs after a delicate chip from Nwobodo. More opportunities came, but some missed chances and Nwoke's brilliance kept the scoreline close.

In the second half, opportunities came for both sides, with more for the home team. Still, they went begging, and with three minutes left, Anthony Henry fouled Nwobodo inside the box. Substitute Agu Kenechukwu fired an unstoppable shot past Nwoke Christian for the second goal on 89 minutes.

The Chief coach of Rangers, Suleman, added, "We understand that we have not done well in our last four matches, and the boys upped their game today for the result that we are celebrating. The importance of this win today is that it has raised the morale of the players as we prepare for our next match, which is against Enyimba in Aba. We thank God for the victory.”

With the win, Rangers now occupy the 10th spot on the twenty-team log with eighteen points from 13 matches. The encounter with Rivers United remains postponed, and on Wednesday, Dec. 20, they will trade tackles with Enyimba International in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, in an NPFL rearranged match day 15 fixture.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 14: Win against Sporting Lagos FC came through sweat, says Rangers Int'l FC Chief Coach

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics