Rangers International Football Club (Enugu) today defeated visiting Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna 2-1 in Match day 3 of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, at the Awka City Stadium, Anambra State.
The Minna based outfit who struggled last season, ame into the game more determined and confident to get a decent result.
Despite last weekend’s narrow loss in Ikene to Remo Stars FC, Enugu Rangers has shown some level of improvement and flashes of brilliance in the games they have played so far.
The first quarter of an hour witnessed awesome football artistry from the home side as they dominated and dictated the rhythm of the game, exchanging passes, transiting play from the defence into attack and putting the visitor under pressure.
Attacking full back, Joel Odoh header from a Savior Isaac’s corner kick inside the 18 yard box to give the host the deserved lead in the 16th minute, while Godwin Obaje doubled the lead in 44th min when he rounded off goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo, to tap the ball into an empty net.
On resumption of the second 45 minute, the visitor responded positively as the “Ikon Allah” boys launched a series of offensive plays, contesting every second ball and were precise in their ball distribution.
Bashir Usman, reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute, as the attacker finished off a rebound that was initially saved by the Enugu Rangers goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo, at the edge of the penalty area, to create a nervy scene around the home support.
Centre Referee, Taiwo David stopped the game momentarily with less than 10 minutes to end, as a fan ran into the field of play, expressing his admiration and excitement for the home side.
All effort by both sides intended to get more goals proved abortive as the defence line for the teams were resilient to repel any threat.
In the post-match analysis, Head Coach of Niger Tornadoes, Hamza Abara, hinted that the result was a disappointment on their part, admitting that the reflection of the game was about two coaches who had worked together in the past and interpreted their tactics.
On his part, Chief Coach, Enugu Rangers, Alli Suleman Obinna, expressed satisfaction over the performance and the outcome of his side, promising that they will continue to improve in subsequent games.
With the victory, Enugu Rangers are currently placed second on the table with six points from 2 wins and a loss behind Bendel Insurance of Benin, and would square up against Kwara United in Match day 4 encounter at Ilorin Township Stadium.
