Rangers International Football Club (enugu) played 0-0 against visiting Remo Stars FC (Shagamu) in Matchday 8 at the ongoing 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi.
Despite dominating play for a longer period and creating over half a dozen goal scoring opportunities, Enugu Rangers could not break down the resolute and tactical Shagamu base side.
Coach Abdul Maikaba stuck to the majority of the squad that defeated Heartland FC in Owerri a few days back with the duo of Ugochukwu Ugwuoke and Chidiebere Nwobodo back in the starting line-up.
Kenechukwu Agu, Ossy Martins, and Julius Ikechukwu pulled the strings and combined well in early part of the match for the needed goals but the visitor’ backline led by Issa Alli stood firm.
However, Julius Ikechukwu looping shot in 24th mins, and Charles Tiesso’ right-footed shot in 44th min was tipped onto the upright by goalkeeper Bankole Kayode were the major highlights of the first half just as Andy Okpe and Ifeagwu Ojukwu had half-chances at the host’s end of the pitch.
On resumption of the second 45 mins, with injuries to Ossy Martins and Ugochukwu Ugwuoke, coach Maikaba brought in Elijah Ani, Christian Nnaji, and Shedrack Asiegbu to add more bite upfront but the defence line of the newly promoted side did not cave in even when they were on the back-foot.
In a post match analysis, Technical Adviser, Enugu Rangers FC, Abdul Maikaba stated that they played a good and young side but his players did well but lost concentration halfway into the game just because they have not scored a goal.
With this result, Enugu Rangers remain third on the twenty team npfl log with 15 points after 8 matches behind Rivers United FC and Remo Stars who are in first and second position respectively with 18 points apiece from the same number of matches.
Meanwhile, Rangers will be taking a triping to the ancient city of Benin for a matchday 9 fixture against Dakkada F.C inside Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City on Sunday, January 30th, 2022.
