NPFL: Rangers ambush Warriors in Oriental derby

Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C will today, Sunday, October 6, 2024, seek to enhance its position on the log with victory over neighbors, Abia Warriors F.C in an ‘Oriental Derby’ Match Day 5, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture inside Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes still basking in the euphoria of the 1-0 win over Bayelsa United in a rescheduled Match Day 3 fixture, Thursday, the Coal City boys will be banking on the return of some of its players who are returning from injuries to stop the coach Imama Amapakabo tutored side that have not lost a game on the road since the start of the season.

With only two points separating the two sides and Rangers placed on the 7th spot on the log with seven points as against the 12th spot occupied by Abia Warriors with five points, an explosive encounter is expected inside ‘The Cathedral’ with the Enugu side getting a boost with the return of Onyekachi Okafor and Joel Odoh who have been out injured.

Technical Adviser of Rangers, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic of getting a good result in the encounter even when he is convinced that it would be difficult against his compatriot, coach Imama Amapakabo, whom he described as a mentor.

“We are always positive in every game. It has not been easy for us before now but we are gradually getting the blend needed to successfully defend our trophy.
“Against Abia Warriors, we are going to pick our three points against a coach I respect so much and call my mentor. We are going to defend our name, badge, and ensure that we make our fans happy at the end of the match.
” It will be a difficult match but we are primed to get the needed result,” said coach Ilechukwu.

Captain of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze in his submissions, said, “I think it is not going to be an easy match considering the fact that we are playing against our former coach who led us to the trophy in 2016 but we are always positive going into any of our match and this is no difference.
“Our fans should come out in their numbers to cheer us to another win as we push to successfully defend the trophy we won last season.”