Coach Salisu Yusuf kept faith with the match day squad that fell to Katsina United, midweek, save for the introduction of the quartet of Godspower Aniefiok, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Loute Isaac and Christian Nnaji.
Godspower Aniefiok and Chinonso Eziekwe were the heroes of the day for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ as the lanky attacking midfielder rose the highest to nod past the groping hands of goalkeeper, Umar Danlami off an inch perfect Osas Okoro’ delivery on 2 minutes just as Eziekwe benefited from a slip by the visitor’s shot stopper to tap home his second goal of the season on 9 minutes as an Isaac Loute’ stinging free kick proved too hot to handle.
Stunned as they were, the ‘Solid Miners’ took the challenge to the half of their more illustrious host with Haggai Katoh, Ikenna Offor, Chinedu Ohanachom and Aliyu Abdullahi doing all they can to break down the Ernest Governor led defense line of Rangers with very little success.
The home side after absolving all that was thrown at them going into the 20th minute pushed forward with the trio of Chidiebere Nwobodo, Esor Achibong and Christian Nnaji leading the search for more goals but Franklin Tebo and Onyema Emeka were in no mood for any let off for the visitors.
Coaches of both sides introduced fresh legs as the game approached the hour mark but there was no more goals to celebrate even when Ohanachom Chinedu was set up for a finish on 68 minutes he found Seidu Mutawakilu too hard to beat while Chidiebere Nwobodo saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped over the bar by substitute goalkeeper, Ameh Godwin on 63 minutes.
The duo of substitutes, Ifeanyi Okoro and Daniel Vandaga had opportunities at the tail end of the encounter but missed when it would have been easier to score.
Chief Coach of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Mbwas Mangut said after the fixture, “The most important thing in the match is the three points and we are happy we got them just as we started the game on a very good note. In the second half we gave them too much room to operate but thankfully they could not convert some of the chances created. Nasarawa United is a highly motivated side and they came here with all intentions to slow us down. The early goals helped us to stabilize and we thank God for the win.”
Godspower Aniefiok who got the opening goal of the day and his third for the season for the Enugu side, said, “I am very happy to be amongst the scorers today and even more, the victory at the end of the match. I dedicate the goal to my former team mate and good friend, Late Ifeanyi George as today was exactly one year he left us. I am glad I scored a goal for him today.”
RANGERS TEAM: Seidu Mutawakilu, Osas Okoro, Isaac Loute (Ifeanyi Nweke -57th Min.), Tony Shimaga, Ebuka Anthony, Ernest Governor, Chidiebere Nwobodo (Daniel Vandagar -82nd Min.), Godspower Aniefiok (Ajayi Femi -73rd Min.), Esor Achibong, Christian Nnaji (Ifeanyi Okoro -73rd Min.), Chinonso Eziekwe (Kenechukwu Agu -57th Min.). SUBS NOT USED: Femi Thomas, Issif Traore, Tony Eliagwu, Shedrack Asiegbu.
GOALS: Godspower Aniefiok – 2nd Minute, Chinonso Eziekwe -9th Minute.
NORBERT OKOLIE
Media/Communication Officer
Rangers International F.C, Enugu.
Facebook Page: Rangers International F.C of Enugu
Twitter: @RangersInt’Ifc
Instagram page: rangersinternationalfcenugu
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