Rangers International FC have been crowned champions of the 2025 Enugu President Federation Cup courtesy of a 3-0 spanking of NNL side, Ijele FC in the final match played Saturday, February 22, 2025,Sports247 reports.
The highly entertaining final match took place inside ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, had many spectators in the stands as well as top government functionaries watching from the V.I.P pavilion as the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side took the young but energetic Ijele boys to the cleaners.
Chief Coach of Rangers, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, rested most of the top stars that have been prosecuting the NPFL for this encounter and the match day squad did not disappoint as the Ikenna Stephen captained side went in search of early goals which was resisted by the backline of the NNL side ably anchored by the trio of Chidiebere Ogbodo, Oputa Nzube and Anibueze James.
Despite the tight defending of the young side, Rangers’ young midfield sensation, Daniel Onyia broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when he rifled home from a distance of thirty meters as the goalkeeper stood rooted to a spot as the fans rose to celebrate a great goal.
When both sides returned for the second stanza from the locker room, Rangers increased their search for more goals with the introduction of Monday Yakubu for young Ogbodo Kelechi and on 54 minutes, FIFA World Cup star, Michael Uchebo stabbed home the second goal for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ after receiving a pass from Effimi Nsi who did well to rob a defender of the ball and evaded some tackling legs inside the box.
Daniel Onyia grabbed his brace on 67 minutes as his long range shot took a wicked deflection to send the opponent’s shot stopper, Ojobo Ifebuche, the wrong way just as more efforts at goal failed to materialize especially on 77 minutes when substitute, Nnaemeka Onyekwere let fly a left footed shot that was headed for the top corner of the net but substitute, goalkeeper for Ijele, Onyia Ifechukwu, produced a splendid save.
Medals were presented to the two sides who have qualified to fly the flag of Enugu state at the National President Federation Cup 2025 while Rangers were presented with a giant trophy by Enugu state commissioner for Youth & Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu who represented the executive governor of Enugu State, H E, Dr. Peter Mbah at the occasion.
Coach Ekenedilichukwu who was at the dug-out for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ said after the encounter, “It was a great match not because we won but because of the quality display from our opponent. We came prepared to win and we won.
We give all the glory to God. We never panicked when the goals did not start to rain early but quietly worked our way through and the result is there to show. I believe we have the quality to take us to the national trophy.”
Next stop for the NPFL reigning champions is a date with Sunshine Stars FC in a re-arranged match day 26, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025 inside Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
