Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, narrowly missed out on securing all three points as they were held to a goalless draw by Bayelsa United FC in a Matchday 23 fixture of the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
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The highly competitive encounter took place at a packed Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, where the home side, led by coach Ladan Bosso, started aggressively.
The attacking trio of Simon Daniel, Ifeanyi Ogba, and Yahaya Ibrahim searched for an early breakthrough but were effectively thwarted by a solid Rangers defense, marshaled by Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Ikenna Stephen, Effimi Nsi, and Kenneth Igboke.
An injury-enforced substitution in the 30th minute saw Odoh Joel replace Effimi Nsi, a change that proved seamless as Joel’s pace helped Rangers push back the home side. Both teams went into halftime with no goals to show for their efforts.
At the restart, Rangers’ coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, introduced Daniel Onyia and Williams Wonah for Bashir Usman and Kingsley Maduforo. The tactical change brought an attacking spark, with the duo combining well alongside Godwin Obaje, Isaac Saviour, and Hillary Ekawu to apply sustained pressure on Bayelsa United. However, the home side, anchored by captain Gabriel Biriduba and goalkeeper Elkanah Godgift, held firm.
As the clock wound down, Bayelsa United threw more men forward in search of a late winner, with Peter Ebimobowei leading the charge. Rangers almost capitalized on counterattacks in stoppage time, but Daniel Onyia hesitated too long on a clear chance, allowing the Bayelsa defense to recover. Moments later, an unmarked Obaje failed to connect with a well-placed cross from Isaac Saviour, ensuring the match ended in a deadlock.
Speaking after the game, Rangers’ chief coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “It was a great game from both sides, but we had clearer chances that could have earned us all three points. Still, we are happy with the valuable point and will continue pushing for better results to finish the season on a strong note,” he said.
Rangers will now shift focus to their upcoming clash against league leaders, Remo Stars, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The highly anticipated Matchday 24 fixture is set to kick off at 3:00 PM.
