By Goodness Ndukuba, Akwa on October 2, 2023

Rangers International FC of Enugu on Saturday started the new 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign impressively with 2-1 against Doma United in the season opener at the Awka City Stadium, Anambra state.

It was a maximum three points for the People's Elephant with the fans looking forward for more good outings for the team in the NPFL season this year.

A belter from outside the box by Kalu Nweke in the 29th minute off a swift team counter attacking play and Austin Onyemaechi tap-in inside the box in the 34th minute after being set up by Godwin Obaje gave the Flying Antelopes the lead into the break.

Bidemi Owoku gave the Savannah Tigers a lifeline in the 73rd minute assisted by Ifeanyi Ekawu to take the game to a nervy ending.

The Flying Antelopes held on with determination to take all the three points at stake at their adopted home ground.

The pulsating contest was the beginning of a new era for the Enugu-based side with a new Technical Adviser in the mould of experienced former MFM FC and Heartland FC handler, Fidelis Ilechukwu as well as the club new GM/CEO, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku and the youthful Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu who was on ground to see the game.

Reacting after the match, Technical Adviser of Rangers Int'l FC, Fidelis Ilechukwu described the result as a good start for a renewed Rangers Int'l FC. 

The Flying Antelopes gaffer said he is poised to work on improving the team's performance in subsequent games.

"Am delighted to start my campaign here with a win although it wasn't an easy game as the tempo of the game changed when Doma United got a goal back.

"However, I am happy that the boys kept their composure and discipline to ease out the game for the three points. 

"We have seen the areas we will work on and surely we will have a much improved performance in subsequent games," Ilechukwu said.

Also speaking, Technical Adviser of Doma United, Akinade Onigbinde attributed the defeat to poor finishing in front of goal by his strikers in the game.

"We had a very good game today as you could see, we came back strongly in the second half after conceding two goals to reduce the deficit. 

"We created a lot of scoring chances but failed to convert them which would have made the game different. 

"We will go back home, work on our finishing and ensure we get the maximum points at stake in our next match," Onigbinde said.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted October 2, 2023

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