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Rangers return to top of NPFL

By Daily Sports on April 23, 2016

A sparkling first-half performance by Enugu Rangers set the tone for a 2-1 victory over Nasarawa United on Friday night as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered match day 13.

It was the first match for Rangers since their head coach Imama Amapakabo’s appointment as a member of the Super Eagles’ consortium of coaches for the international friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg in May.

The Flying Antelopes started the game decided at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu with their traditional fluidity, aggression and crisp passing.

Pin-up boy Chisom Ecgbuchulam came close to opening the scoring inside the first 180 seconds but after racing clear of the United defence with frightening pace, he dragged his shot wide of the far post with the visitors’ goalkeeper, Danlami Umar, soundly beaten.

United gave as good as they got in the opening moments too and were twice denied by goal-line clearances in a wonderfully-open first half.

Emmanuel Daniel, the Rangers goalkeeper, did anything but cover himself in glory in the first half but had his blushes saved by an excellent rear guard marshalled by the indefatigable Chidiebere Okoli and Etim Matthew.

Rangers continued to look menacing and duly got their reward in the 23rd minute when Bobby Clement opened the scoring as he rose highest to head home a corner in a crowded United box.

The Flying Antelopes stepped on the accelerator after the restart and duly made it 2-0 in the 56th minute when Obinna Nwobodo nonchalantly chipped past Umar to give the hosts a commanding lead.

United were offered a route back into the match in the 75th minute when Camara Azeez handled in the Rangers box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Seun Sogbeso, a man with nerves of steel, promptly stepped forward to fire past Daniel in the Rangers goal to set up a grandstand finish.

Sogbeso’s goal represented the first time United would score in Enugu in their last seven attempts but it proved merely academic in the end.

Rangers held out for the win, their first over United since July 3, 2013, which was enough to see them return to the summit of the NPFL standings with 24 points from 12 matches. (supersports.com)

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 23, 2016