Technical adviser to Rangers International F.C, coach Abdul Maikaba has assured the club’s teeming supporters that the club’s target of a league triumph or a continental ticket was still within reach despite the 2-1 loss suffered in the hands of perennial rivals, Enyimba International F.C in a matchday 22, NPFL 2021/2022 fixture.
Ossy Martins had shot the visiting ‘Flying Antelopes’ in front at the quarter-hour mark after he was released by a defense splitting pass from Chukwuebuka Okorie and rounded off goalkeeper Bassa Djeri before slotting into a yawning net to send the traveling fans into wild jubilations.
To their credit, the coach Finidi George’s wards did not sulk for too long as a defensive slip at the center circle allowed Adeleke Adekunle enough time to release Victor Mbaoma to tip over an onrushing Seidu Mutawakilu on 32 minutes for the leveler just as the stadium erupted into wild jubilations.
Mbaoma was on hand again to nod home his second of the day in 68 minutes after some hesitant defending to grab his brace for the day and made it a double for his team over Rangers this season after grabbing a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in Nnewi.
Coach Maikaba after the match said, “It was a good match but Enyimba showed more hunger for victory. They played better today and deserve the win. However, we still have a long way to go in the season and I am sure we shall turn the curve soon and get back our winning mentality to challenge effectively for our targets at the start of the season.”
Despite the loss, Rangers still occupy the 3rd position with 37 points from 22 matches even when 4th placed, Remo Stars have a game in hand with 35 points.
The ‘Flying Antelopes’ will next play host to Sunshine Stars F.C of Akure in a matchday 23 fixture scheduled to happen inside Awka City Stadium, Anambra state on April 17, 2022, with kickoff fixed for 4.00 pm.
RANGERS TEAM:
Seidu Mutawakilu, Tope Olusesi (Olawale Doyeni -46th Min.), Bala Akintunde, Kenechukwu Agu, Ebuka Anthony, Ernest Governor, Samuel Pam (Christian Madu -87th Min.), Chukwuebuka Okorie, Ossy Martins, Chidiebere Nwobodo (Nnaji Christian -69th Min.), Julius Ikechukwu (Ejike Uzoenyi -69th Min.).
SUBS NOT USED:
Nana Bonsu, Uche John, Elijah Ani, David Chimezie, Charles Tiesso.
