Smarting from the 0-1 loss to Rivers United in a matchday 21, NPFL fixture inside ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C will on Monday, May 24, 2021, storm the ‘Nest of Champions’, Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo, with eyes set on claiming the maximum points at stake against Akwa United.
The matchday 22 fixture was rearranged to Monday by the league organizers, L.M.C due largely to logistics and television coverage schedule.
The camp of the Enugu landlords has endured a week-long period of wearing long faces laced with hard and dedicated training sessions under the gaffer, Coach Salisu Yusuf going into this encounter as they work towards doing a double over the ‘Promise Keepers’ at their backyard and put a halt to their twelve matches unbeaten run.
Captain of Rangers, Temitope Olusesi, while speaking ahead of the crunch fixture, said, “We have our work cut out and we are approaching the match as if it is a cup final. It won’t be an easy match as they have been in fine form for the past twelve weeks but we are not looking at their intimidating form but to give our best to earn all three points at stake. Our loss at home is also a factor that I believe will work for us.”
Also speaking, Kelvin Itoya said, “Akwa United is always a very tough customer any day but we are fired up to get a good result in Uyo. We can’t lose two matches on a bounce hence, we are giving the match all the attention it deserves and by God’s grace, we shall return to Enugu with something to cheer for.”
Rangers are currently placed 6th, after results of M.D 22 was released, on the twenty-team log with 33 points from 20 matches played while Akwa United are second on the log with 40 points from 21 matches.
No doubt, a little switch in personnel needed for this encounter is expected from coach Salisu Yusuf and his able assistants as they look to stop the surging run of the coach Kennedy Boboye tutored side.
With Godspower Aniefiok and Chinonso Eziekwe still out injured, it’s most likely that the attacking line that fired blanks against Rivers United will be relied upon to redeem themselves just as the rock-solid backline is expected to be led by Uche John to stop inform, the troika of Charles Atshimene, Akarandot Orok, and Mfom Udoh from causing any damage at the back.
Last time out at this same venue, it ended all square as both sides fired blanks while the ‘Flying Antelopes’ edged past the Uyo landlords by a 1-0 scoreline in Enugu in the reverse fixture.
