By Amaechi Agbo

Rangers International FC coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu has disclosed that his players underrated Akwa United when both teams clashed in Matchday 28 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday in Enugu.

Akwa United, 19th on the log faced Rangers who were in 6th position with each team hoping for the three points . Akwa needed the three points to ease their relegation worries while Rangers needed the points to consolidate on their continental push, with the league defence almost over for the Flying Antelopes.

With the match ending 1-1 after Akwa United took the lead in the first half and Rangers equalised during the second half via a spotkick, Coach Ilechukwu described the result as a huge setback while his opposite number, Kennedy Boboye said the visitors came to Enugu to win the match.

“My team, maybe because of Akwa’s position, didn’t put up their best to get first position. It’s unfortunate that what I saw today was not what I expected in the first half. That’s what am feeling. That’s how it is, because we are lucky not to have conceded more than a goal in the first half, and it could have been a bad one.

“Everyone is sad because we had an agreement that this game would take us to the third position but this is a very big setback to the team entirely,” he said.

The coach explained why his experienced striker, Godwin Obaje was benched.

“Obaje had an injury in Kano, and he has not played since he got that injury. I called him and told him that 20 minutes might be enough. The doctors advised that others should start first. That’s what happened; “

On his part, coach Boboye said his wards came to Enugu to win but added that a point on the road will help their course to avoid the drop

“It was a good game. We wanted to come here and win, but it didn’t work out for us. The most important thing is that we have gotten something out of the game. We would choose any point anywhere we step our feet, because of the situation we are in and where we are” he said

Rangers are currently 5th on the log with 42 points while Akwa United have 28 points from 28 games.

Rangers will face Kwara United in their Matchday 29 while Akwa United will also be at home to receive visiting Sunshine Stars with both matches taking place on Sunday, March 16th

The post NPFL MD28: My Team Underrated Akwa United, Draw is a Setback – Ilechukwu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

A late first half slip-up due to loss in concentration by the backline of the reigning NPFL Champions, Rangers International FC ensured that Abia Warriors FC snatched all points at stake with a 1-0 scoreline in a re-arranged match day 25, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture played at the bumpy, Umuahia Township Stadium, Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu had stuck with the squad that defeated table toppers, Remo Stars FC at weekend save for left-back, Kenneth Igboke, who had returned to the national U-20 training camp, and the match day squad took the battle to the home side with the uneven nature of the pitch causing some hindrances.

With just few minutes to the end of the first stanza, after both sides had canceled themselves out in the earlier part of the game, Abia Warriors’ forward, Anthony Ijoma was allowed much space as his team went on a counter down the left flank to let fly a shot that caught Rangers shot stopper unawares on 43 minutes as the large crowd of fans rose in celebrations.

When both teams returned for the start of the second stanza, coach Ilechukwu introduced fresh legs like Okorie Chiedozie, Williams Wonah, Daniel Onyia, Frank Uwumiro, and Ogbodo Kelechi to help salvage a point but tried as they could, the host’s backline and some spectacular saves from goalkeeper, Nmecha Johnson, threw themselves on the line to ensure that the Umuahia side went home with the maximum points at stake in the ‘Oriental Derby’.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said after the encounter, “It was a great game. I think we did our best but our best is not enough but this is a match we have one or two things to take home and we are still positive in what we can achieve by the end of the season.”

With the loss, Rangers now occupy the 6th spot on the log with 38 points from twenty-five matches and will next play Sunshine Stars FC in a re-arranged match day 26 fixture on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

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There was no victor and no vanquished at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday as the two unbeaten sides in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors played a stalemate to remain undefeated after nine matches,

Despite having Gimba Ajiji sent off in the closing stage of the first half, El Kanemi Warriors stood their ground to hold the league leaders to a 1-1 draw to earn a valuable point which helped preserve the unbeaten streak.

Sama’ila Bello put the visitors in front in the 31st minute before Taofeek Olaniyi restored parity just two minutes later.

Ajiji was sent off for a second bookable offence five minutes into the additional time in the first 45 minutes as both sides headed into the dressing room with the score levelled.

 Despite having the numerical advantage over the visitors, Rivers were unable to find the second goal with El Kanemi happy to walk away with a point.

In spite of the draw, Rivers remained top of the table with 21 points, three points more than Remo Stars who suffered their third defeat of the season in Owerri.

Emmanuel Amuneke led his side Heartland to a famous 1-0 victory over the Sky Blue Stars.

Peter Afolayan scored in the 71st minute to help the Naze Millionaires claim their second win of the season and temporarily move out of the relegation zone.

Heartland currently sit in 16th position with nine points, the same points as Bayelsa United who are away to Lobi Stars on Monday (today).

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf once again found the back of the net with his ninth goal of the season giving Nasarawa United the win over Kano Pillars to move the Lafia boys to eighth.

It was a match-winner to celebrate his call-up to the CHAN Eagles camp in Abuja.

The forward grabbed the only goal of the encounter just five minutes before the end of the first half and that was all that separated both sides.

Shooting Stars continued their newly found form at home this season, with a 2-1 win over 19th-placed Akwa United.

This is the first home game where the Oluyole Warriors have scored more than one goal this season.

Ikorodu City were on course to claim a point in Aba against Enyimba, but the People’s Elephants claimed the win in the 90th minute from Moses Adukwu

The result keeps Enyimba in third place with 17 points, four points behind leaders Rivers.

Plateau United ran riot against Kennedy Boboye’s Sunshine Stars, grabbing a 3-0 goal win, courtesy of a Sadiq Abubakar brace, and a penalty from Vincent Temitope.

Punch Credited

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By Amaechi Agbo, Enugu

Rangers International FC of Enugu was on Sunday crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.

The “Flying Antelopes” were handed their diadem in Jos after they beat Gombe United 2-1 in the final matchday 38 of the league watched by their state governor, Peter Ndubisi Mbah.

The triumph ensured that the Enugu based side won the league after accumulating 70 points from the available 114 points.

This is Rangers 8th trophy of the league which brings them at par with Enyimba FC who have also won the league a record 8 times. Both Rangers and Enyimba are the most successful teams in the country.

In the match at Jos, two early goals in 3rd and 7th minutes of the highly entertaining encounter off the boots of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje handed Rangers the driving seat but the host reduced the tally in 25 minutes off the boot of Sa’ad Abubakar while efforts to get more goals by either side proved abortive till the end of the first half of the encounter.

The second half was end-to-end stuff as the fans were at the edge of their seats as opportunities came and went with the short stoppers of the contending sides showcasing their stuff between the sticks.

Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau state counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and business mogul, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze were on the ground to witness the scintillating encounter and was involved in the medal and trophy presentation to the league winners, Rangers International F.C.

The Coal City side was later hosted to a grand dinner party by the G.M.D of Afrinvest West Africa, Prince Ike Chioke, which had three Enugu state commissioners present, players, coaches, backroom staff, and management staff were treated to sumptuous meals.

With the victory and trophy presentation, Rangers have extended their league triumphs to eight and will represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season with the target of getting as far as the final match.

This is a great day for all of us – Ilechukwu

Elated Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu said it was a great feeling for the team and dedicated the triumph to God and the good people of Enugu State for their massive support to the team.

“This is a great day for all of us in Rangers and we give God the glory. This is a victory for the government and people of Enugu state who supported us through thick and thin till we got to where we are today as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“We hope to get a few legs to add to this team to challenge for both domestic and continental honors next season effectively,” Mr Ilechukwu said

For their efforts in the the league, Rangers took home a giant trophy and a cheque for the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only which is the winning prize for the league.

Sporting Lagos, Doma United Relegated

Two clubs, Sporting Lagos and Doma United joined Heartland FC and Gombe United as the seek new lives in the second division league, the Nigeria National League (NNL)

Sporting Lagos marred by managerial crisis could not replicate their pre-league performance on the league as they went down just a year after they were promoted to the league.

Formed in 2021, the club gained promotion in 2023 but could not hold their way.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars will join Rangers in the CAF Champions League (their second return to the continent’s elite league) while Enyimba FC picked one if the tickets to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. The winner of the 2024 Federation Cup Final between Abịa Warriors and El Kanemi Warriors will pick the second ticket.

Enugu State Governor Host Rangers

The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah on Monday hosted the players, coaches and management of the 2024 NPFL Champions, Rangers Int’l FC in Enugu.

In an elaborate event held at the Ọkpara Square, prominent individuals including I politicians, captains of industries graced the event.

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Nigeria Premier Football League defending champions, Enyimba FC of Aba have been fined a total of ₦10, 000, 000.00 (ten million naira) and deducted three points and three goals after they abandoned their matchday 35 match against Rangers International F.C of Enugu in Enugu on Sunday.

The match which had large spectators who came to watch the encounter was disrupted at 95 minute and later abandoned after Enyimba players protested against the penalty awarded against them.

Enyimba refused to continue the game which also led to their fans invading the pitch and chasing people away with objects.

The NPFL organisers in its ruling over the disgraceful act has found Enyimba players, management and supporters culpable and fined them accordingly.

The NFL found Enyimba in breach of its five rules governing the game and subsequently fined a combined ₦10 million and awarded 3 points and 3 goals to Rangers.

Below are the summary of the ruling by the NPFL released on Monday:

To: Enyimba Int’l FC Date: 10″ june 2024

Upon review of the findings of the official reports for the Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l, held at the Nnamdi Aztkiwe Stadium, Enugu, on 9” June 2024, the Nigeria Premier Football League states its findings as follows:

You are in breach of Rule C9 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you failed to ensure the proper conduct of your players, officials and supporters.

You are in breach of Rule B6.23 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you disrupted the transmission of a live broadcast.

You are in breach of Rule B13.18 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, your team and supporters threw objects and encroached unto the field of play.

You are in breach of Rule C1.1 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you refused to continue with the match in protest against the penalty awarded in favour of your opponents, an act that goes against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the league rules, and, is capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

You are in breach of Rule B13.24 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you caused the disruption and discontinuation of the match.

Consequently, the NPFL hereby impose on you the following sanctions:

A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failing to ensure the proper conduct of your team.

A fine of Five Million Naira only (N5,000,000) for disrupting a live broadcast.

3. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for throwing of objects unto the field of play.
4. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for encroachment unto the field of play.
5. An order forfeiting 3 points and 3 goals in favour of your opponent refusing to allow the penalty awarded in favour of your opponents to be taken, thereby disrupting the match and bringing the game to disrepute.
6. A fine of Two Million Naira only (N2,000,000) for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.
7. An order for Enyimba to identify and produce for further investigation and appropriate sanctions, other players and officials complicit in the disruptive conducts (particularly against the match officials) that led to a discontinuation of the game, in addition to the following identified players; Eze Ekwutoziam (Jersey No.6), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Jersey No.27), and Akanni Elijah (Jersey No.10).

In accordance with Rule C26, you are required, within 48 hours of the date of this notice, to either:

1) submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions contained herein; or

2) elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel. Any such election must be in writing addressed to the undersigned at the office of the NPFL. Should you submit to the summary jurisdiction and the prescribed sanctions, kindly note that the fines therein are to be paid within 7 working days.

Note that in accordance with Rule E1, where an appeal or election to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel fails or is found to have been frivolous, such party may be liable to such additional sanction(s) as may be deemed fit in the circumstances.

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Rangers International Football Club of Enugu played their first home game of 2024 at the Cathedral on the matchday 18 fixture of the Nigerian Premier Football League on Saturday, capping it off with a 4:1 win against the Savanah Scorpions of Gombe.

The Flying Antelopes of Enugu started the match in a promising manner, launching several attacks in order to offer retribution for their 2:0 loss at the previous fixture away against Bendel Insurance but was met with a shocker as the Savanah Scorpions took an early lead in the 19th minute through the goalkeeper’s spillage of a low cross across the face of the goal, leaving Wasiu Alalade with an open net to pass the ball into.

However, the resilience of the Enugu Rangers paid off as they pulled the goal back within 30 seconds of going behind as Godwin Obaje beat the offside trap to find himself in a one-on – one situation with the goalkeeper which he passed to the bottom left corner leaving the goalkeeper in no man’s land. Shortly after that, the Flying Antelopes took the lead at the 38th minute as Godwin Obaje riffled a penalty kick in arising from a foul inside the box. This saw the host go in with a half time lead.

Entering the second half, the visitors took control of the game and came very close to equalizing as a well-hit free kick within 20 yards came off the post, before the hosts reclaimed their authority in the game as Nwodu Chukwudi received the ball inside the box and passed it to the bottom right corner after shrugging off the defender, making it 3:1 for the Flying Antelopes.

The last goal came from a well-hit free kick from Kenechukwu Agu within 20 yards, with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot, leaving the spectators in awe.

Rangers currently occupy the 9th position on the table with 25 points in 17 games and will travel to Ákwá Ibom for their Match-day 19 fixture against Ákwá United.

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