Rangers exit President Federation Cup

Six-time Nigeria FA Cup champions and last season’s losing finalist, Rangers International F.C of Enugu is out of this year’s edition as the ‘Flying Antelopes’ lost the Round of 64, President Federation Cup 2024 encounter to rivals, Kano Pillars 6-5 on penalties after scores at the end of ninety minutes stood at 1-1 in a match played at Bwari Township Stadium, F.C.T, Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side was the quicker out of the blocks, in the encounter that had two of the most followed teams in the country flexing muscles at the early stage of the competition, as they scored an early goal when Mustapha Umar was allowed much space inside the box to drill home the game’s opening goal and send their bench and fans into wild celebrations.

Stunned as they were, the Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side took the game to coach Abdu Maikaba side probing for openings with Kazeem Ogunleye, Chukwudi Nwaodu, and Isaac Saviour showing dominance in the middle of the pack while Chiedozie Okorie and Godwin Obaje were at their best but the backline of their opponent was clinical in their defensive network.

With the first half remaining only seven minutes to run its cause, Chiedozie Okorie restored parity for the Coal City side on 38 minutes when he latched onto a pass from Obaje to poke home from close range past Ibrahim Galadima who had been doing a yeoman’s job between the sticks for the Kano side.

Both sides returned after the break with renewed energy. Still, it was the Enugu side that enjoyed more dominance as their opponent withdrew into their defensive shells and defended with tenacity.

Substitutes, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Auwalu Naziru were presented with golden opportunities to put the game to bed on three different occasions but were unlucky not to have found the back of the net on 81, 87, and 89 minutes while the Kano Pillars side saw an effort miss target on 90 minutes as Mohammed Aminu’s effort went wide with goalkeeper, Chukwuemeka Onyia at his mercy.

At the end of the regulation time, both sides had to engage in the mandatory penalty kick to separate them. The Rabiu Ali-captained side converted six of their seven kicks against Rangers’ five.

At the post-match chat, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said, “The game was a good display of football from both teams but I think we were supposed to have won the game in the regular time because we created more chances, especially in the second half but we were unable to bury them. That is football for you. It happens sometimes.
“It is painful. A first-time exit in the very first round of the competition for us. We are not happy but there is nothing we can do. I wish Kano Pillars the best of luck. We now have to focus on the league as we appeal to our fans for today’s disappointing performance.”

Rangers will now concentrate more on the remaining matches of the NPFL 2023/2024 season which is on a month’s break for Rivers United to prosecute all their outstanding games.