Despite dominating play for a longer period and creating over half a dozen goal scoring opportunities in the matchday 8, top of the table NPFL 2021/2022 fixture, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C could not break down the resolve of Remo Stars led by coach Gbenga Ogunbote as the encounter ended goalless.
Coach Abdul Maikaba had stuck to the majority of the squad that defeated Heartland a few days back with the duo of Ugochukwu Ugwuoke and Chidiebere Nwobodo back in the starting team and it was Kenechukwu Agu, Ossy Martins, and Julius Ikechukwu that combined well in the early part of the match for the needed goals but the visitor’ backline led by Issa Alli stood firm.
Kenechukwu Agu’s stinging long-range shot on 9 minutes, Julius Ikechukwu’ looping shot on 24 minutes, and Charles Tiesso’ right-footed shot that was tipped onto the upright on 44 minutes by goalkeeper Bankole Kayode were the major highlights of the first half just as Andy Okpe and Ifeagwu Ojukwu had half-chances at the host’s end of the pitch.
In the second stanza, with injuries to Ossy Martins and Ugochukwu Ugwuoke, coach Maikaba brought in Elijah Ani, Christian Nnaji, and Shedrack Asiegbu to add more bite upfront but tried as they did, the young backline of the premiership new boys did not cave in even when they were on the back-foot and have goalkeeper Bankole to thank for his reflex saves especially on 85 minutes when Julius’ effort seems destined to drop into the net but he tipped it over the bar.
On 89 minutes, a late substitute for the visitors, Abdullahi Oyedele, was gifted an opportunity to steal all three points at stake but slipped as he made to run past a defender.
Coach Abdul Maikaba said after the encounter, “We faced a good side, a young side but my players did well and the only thing is that they lost concentration halfway into the game just because they have not scored a goal. All the same, it’s a good outing and we thank God for the one point which is better than none.”
With the result, Rangers remain third on the twenty teams log with 15 points from eight matches behind the duo of Rivers United and Remo Stars who are in first and second position with 18 points apiece from the same number of matches just as Rangers will be hitting the ancient city of Benin for a matchday 9 fixture against Dakkada F.C inside Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City on Sunday, January 30, 2022.
RANGERS TEAM: Bamidele Adeniyi, Tope Olusesi, Bala Akintunde, Charles Tiesso (Shedrack Asiegbu -67th Min.), Ebuka Anthony, Ernest Governor, Chidiebere Nwobodo (Christian Nnaji -61st Min.), Ugochukwu Ugwuoke (Seidu Adamu -67th Min.), Julius Ikechukwu, Kenechukwu Agu, Ossy Martins (Elijah Ani -25th Min.). SUBS NOT USED: Seidu Mutawakilu, Uche John, Christian Madu, Ifeanyi Nweke, Samuel Pam.
