After dropping two points at home against Remo Stars in a match day 8, NPFL 2021/2022 fixture at its adopted home ground of Nnewi, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C will on Sunday, January 30, 2022, seek to regain lost ground as it trades tackles with Dakkada F.C.
The remodeled Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia stadium, in the heart of the ancient Benin kingdom, will play host to this battle of the top and lower teams as the visitors, Rangers are currently on fourth while the host, Dakkada, that was banished to Benin for their home matches, is on the 17th spot.
In the four times that these two teams have engaged themselves in the top flight, Rangers have two wins, a draw, and a loss while Dakkada’ only win was in Enugu on November 24, 2019, when they shocked the ‘Flying Antelopes’ 2-0 in front of a sell-out crowd but a 3-2 win at the ‘Nest of Champions’ in the reverse fixture on March 18, 2020, restored some bragging rights for the Enugu landlords.
Smarting from a valuable 1-1 draw from its last game in Okigwe against Abia Warriors, the coach Umar Danlami tutored side will be looking to up their gear against a ‘Wounded’ Rangers that is ruing the chances missed against Remo Stars that would have moved them to the second spot on the log and aiming to regain the lost points in the Benin Kingdom.
With young star, Kenechukwu Agu pulling the strings in the middle of the pack to deliver defense splitting passes or even be among the goals, coach Abdul Maikaba will be hoping to see his set target for the season coming to reality even when the likes of vastly experienced Aniekan Ekpe is been relied upon to provide some spectacular display for the home side.
In all departments of the game, Rangers gaffer, Maikaba is spoilt for choices as shot-stopper, Bamidele Adeniyi, barring any last-minute changes, will be saddled with the task of keeping out attacks to continue his fine form since joining the team while the backline will most likely be led by captain, Tope Olusesi with expected presence of such personalities as CharlesTiesso, Christian Madu, Ejike Uzoenyi, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Seidu Adamu in midfield while Elijah Ani, Christian Nnaji, Obiorah Emeka, Eboko Ikechukwu are available to lead the attack.
Coach Maikaba after leading his wards to have a feel of the facility where the match is scheduled to happen, said, “The pitch is a wonderful place to play football and I believe we are good to go and fight for the maximum points at stake. Dakkada is a side that is unpredictable. They are a good side that can spring surprises at any point in time. That is why we are not complacent. We are very ready for the game and we will give all we can to make sure we get the three points at stake.”
