NPFL Super 6:Rangers Edge Past FCIU, Qualify For The Continent

Two goals in each half some momentary loss of concentration by Rangers backline that gifted F.C Ifeanyiubah a two goal life line was the hallmark of match day 5 of NPFL 2019 Championship playoff as seven time Nigeria league champions, Rangers ran away with a 4-2 victory over the ‘Anambra Warriors’ at Agege township stadium, Lagos.

The Nnewi boys started the brighter of the two sides with their incisive play that was check mated by the duo of Okey Odita and Akpos Adubi ably supported by Christian Madu in his defensive midfield position.

Chiamaka Madu shot the ‘Flying Antelopes’ into the lead on the first time of asking on 6^th minute as his half volley from the edge of the box settled into the corner of the net after been set up by Godwin Aguda.

Chidera Ezeh’ speculative shot on 42 minutes took a wicked deflection off Jimoh Gbadamosi to nestle in the net for Rangers second of the day as both teams retired for the interval.

With only three minutes into the second stanza, Christian Madu added his name on the score sheet with a long range effort that beat Okoro Anthony in goal for the Nnewi side.

A momentary loss of concentration by Rangers backline allowed the Uche Okagbue tutored side to score two quick goals on 51 and 55 minutes through Ezeh Chibuike who got a brace in this encounter and set up a feverish last thirty-five minutes.

Godwin Aguda, however calmed frayed nerves on 63 minutes as he slotted home from the spot after the referee spotted a handball incidence in the box of F.C Ifeanyiubah.

With the win, the coach Olugbenga Ogunbote tutored side earned a ticket to represent the country in next season’ continental club actions after ‘Oriental Rivals’, Enyimba International dismantled Akwa United 3-0 in the second match of the day to emerge champions of the 2018/2019 league season.

Coach Ogunbote said after the encounter, “It was a good game as our opponent gave a good account of themselves but we thank God for the victory which has enabled us get a continental ticket as Enyimba has done us a favor as it were. No doubt, the injuries in our team were huge and it took it tool on us and the chances we had in this playoff. We hope that before the start of the new season, we should have overcome the series of injuries and challenge very well for the continental shield.”

Rangers’ next assignment is an Aiteo cup round of 64 encounter with Niger Tornadoes Feeders F.C in Ibadan on Saturday, June 15, 2019 where they hope to start a successful cup defense and Ogunbote said, “We are optimistic of doing a successful defense of the trophy we won last season by starting well against the Tornadoes Feeders. We respect all teams in the competition but fear none.”

RANGERS TEAM: Japhet Opubo, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Isaac Loute (Seka Pascal -50^th Min.), Christian Madu, Okey Odita, Akpos Adubi, Godwin Aguda (Solomon Okpako -70^th Min.), Chidera Ezeh, Bobby Clement (Ifeanyi Egwim -24^thMin,), Michael Uchebo, Chiamaka Madu. SUBS NOT USED: Femi Thomas, Pape Ousmane, Chidiebere Okolie, Ugochukwu Ugwuoke.

GOALS: Chiamaka Madu -6^th Min., Jimoh Gbadamosi (O.G) -42^ND Min., Christian Madu -48^th Min., Godwin Aguda – 63^rd Min.