Rangers International F.C earned a well-deserved goalless draw against hard-fighting Niger Tornadoes F.C in a match day 4, Group B, NPFL 2022/2023 fixture inside Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna with the goalkeeper, George Michael making great saves to ensure that the host shared the spoils on Sunday before an appreciative crowd.
The coach Abdul Maikaba who kicked off the fixture after the host elected to pick sides after the referee’s toss of a coin immediately went on the offensive but found the Sunday Akinmolodun led backline too strong to breach.
Coach Maikaba had made six changes to the squad that was held to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars in the last match, handing starts to short-stopper, Emeka Nwabulu just as there was a season debut for Chukwudi Nwaodu, Olawale Doyeni with Rangers Feeder team graduate, Kenneth Igboke having his first baptism of fire and they did not disappoint.
With the first half failing to produce any goal, the attacking trio of Chidiebere Nwobodo, Austin Onyemaechi, and Hadi Mohammed upped their game at the start of the second and had a great opportunity to score at 52 minutes but, Onyemaechi’ shot off an inch-perfect defense splitting pass from Hadi missed target by a few inches.
Substitute, Reuben Bala, after dribbling his way past four markers fired a canon of a shot that was bravely stopped by George Michael on 85 minutes to the relief of the home team supporters while the technical bench of the visiting side rued another opportunity gone begging.
At the end of the encounter, coach Maikaba said, “At least we have got something from an away fixture. We actually came here for the three points but the pitch did not help my players I am happy that we are gradually getting back our groove. My players fought very well and were able to come out with one point. Hopefully, we shall start winning from our next game.”
Rangers will next take on Dakkada F.C in a match day 5 fixture at their adopted home ground, Awka City Stadium as they hope to improve on the accrued two points from four matches played.
