It was an imperious performance from the wards of coach Olugbenga Ogunbote of seven time Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C, as they did a come-from-behind 5-1 win over visiting F.C Remo Stars that had taken a surprise 8th minute lead in a match day 12, NPFL 2018/2019 encounter.
The massive crowd that thronged ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, were still arranging themselves to their seats for an expectant win when defender, Bright Akpojuvwewho was allowed a lot of space and time to stab home a well taken corner kick by Runsewe Lanre on 8 minutes to send a shocking silence over the arena but for the few supporters of the visiting side.
Rangers’ players dusted themselves up and took the fight to the visitors with the quartet of Ifeanyi George, Ajani Ibrahim, Bright Silas and Godwin Aguda leading the onslaught and would have been level earlier than they did but for some great saves from Emmanuel Fabiyi in goal for Remo and some poor finishing.
Ifeanyi George made amends for some earlier misses when he stylishly dribbled past three markers to slot home on 39 minutes to send the fans into wild frenzy.
On the stroke of half time, Godwin Aguda steeled his nerves to send Fabiyi the wrong way from the penalty spot after Inoughara Dede handled the ball inside the box to put Rangers in front going into the break.
Rangers continued from where it left off as the second stanza commenced and scored three more goals on 49, 60 and 90th minute as Aguda completed his brace after benefiting from a defensive mix-up, Ajani Ibrahim outrunning Akpojuvwewho to bury after being set up by Tony Shimaga while FIFA world cup star, Michael Uchebo added the icing on the cake with a clinical finish after Chidera Ezeh had handed the visitors a lifeline with an own-goal on 83 minutes.
An elated coach Olugbenga Ogunbote of Rangers said after the massive win, “No doubt, it was a good win that came when it was expected to calm the nerves of our teaming supporters. It was a difficult start for us but thank God, the players got their acts together and delivered when it mattered. Remo is a good side but we showed that we wanted it more even when we conceded an early goal. Our strikers showed that they are gradually coming to the party and I hope that before long, the rhythm would be struck and we shall hopefully hit our set targets.”
On the chances of emerging champions of the league and get another chance to represent the country on the continent, Ogunbote said, “It is a known fact that an abridged league is much tougher to play but we are sure going to make our experiences coming from the continent will help us challenge to be among the top three finishers in group A so that we can partake in the end of the season’ super-six where the real champion of Nigeria would be decided. We need to get back to the continent and complete what we missed this season.”
Two goals hero, Godwin Aguda, said after the crushing defeat of the visitors, “First, I have to thank God for giving us the victory and having my name on the scorers chat. It was a difficult match despite the big score line. We hope to continue with this form until our target for the season is achieved.”
Rangers next three matches in the NPFL would be road trips to Sagamu for a re-scheduled match day 11 encounter with Remo Stars from where they make a trip to Minna for a scheduled match day 13 fixture after which the ‘Flying Antelopes’ would travel further north to engage Katsina United in a re-scheduled match day 2 encounter.
The Enugu landlords are currently placed 3rdon the group A log with 15 points from six matches behind M.F.M and Enyimba who have 22 and 19 points from twelve matches apiece.
RANGERS TEAM: Nana Bonsu, Chidera Ezeh, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Tony Shimaga, Pape Ousmane (Okey Odita -57th mins.), Isiaka Oladuntoye, Bright Silas, Ajani Ibrahim (Seka Pascal 66th mins.), Ugochukwu Ugwuoke, Godwin Aguda, Ifeanyi George (Michael Uchebo -79th mins.). SUBS NOT USED: Saidu Mutawakilu, Kelvin Itoya, Solomon Okpako, Tope Olusesi.
GOALS:
Rangers: Ifeanyi George -39th minute; Godwin Aguda – 45th min. (pen) & 49th min;
Ajani Ibrahim – 60th min; Michael Uchebo -90thmin.
