Match Report: Rangers shower Pillar with goals to move top of NPFL
AWKA (Made In Africa Sport) – Enugu Rangers have made a significant mark in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with an exciting 4-1 victory over Kano Pillars.
Kano Pillars couldn’t match up to the competition, despite an early goal scored by Muhammad Yakubu through a beautiful cross from Muhammad Aminu.
How It Happened
In the early minutes of the match, Sai Masu Gida boys received yellow cards for fouls committed. Muhammad Yakubu put Kano Pillars ahead in the 10th minute with an assist from Muhammad Aminu.
The game progressed with the Flying Antelopes missing several goal-scoring opportunities. Chidiebere and Chukwudi squandered chances in the 17th and 23rd minutes, respectively.
Godwin Obaje equalized for the Rangers with a penalty kick from outside the Gida boys’ goal area in the 23rd minute.
In the 52nd minute, Chidiebere missed two more opportunities to extend their lead, but it was Saviour who finally struck the net with a beautiful one-two pass from Kazeem, putting Rangers in the lead. This marked Saviour Isaac’s first goal for the Antelopes in the second half of the 2023/2024 NPFL games.
Clement made an attempt, the keeper saved, and Chukwudi capitalized on the rebound, making it 3-1.
Within a five-minute interval, Chukwudi struck again with a brilliant cross shot, securing the fourth thrilling goal for the Rangers.
Coach Abdullahi made substitutions, bringing Yusuf Abdullahi in for Mustapha Yuga. Likewise, Obaje, Nwobodo, and Ogunleye were substituted with Ogba, Okorie, and Agu in the 73rd minute.
Additional changes were made by Coach Abdullahi, with Muhammad Yakubu and Rabiu Ali being replaced by Saidu Adamu and Abba Adam. Chukwudi Nwaodu also gave way for Edeh Kelechi towards the end of the match.
Chidiebere Nwobodo and Ifeanyi Ogba had more opportunities to score for the Rangers but missed them.
Statistics
FULL-TIME STATISTICS
Rangers International 4-1 Kano Pillars
Goals rain in Awka as Rangers come from behind to put four past Pillars and move top of the table.
The Flying Antelopes become the first team to reach double figures in goals and points in #NPFL24.#NPFLWithMIAS pic.twitter.com/6QRoc9Vknz
— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) October 28, 2023
Reactions
In a post-match interview, Coach Alli Suleman expressed gratitude for the game, emphasizing the challenge they anticipated while facing a team coached by Maikaba. He acknowledged the significance of this victory in achieving their season’s goals.
Coach Suleman attributed the first-half goal they conceded to a momentary lapse in concentration and commended their second-half performance.
Chukwudi Nwaodu, who scored two goals in the game, thanked God and expressed his happiness for the team’s success. He remained confident even when Kano Pillars took an early lead.
Chukwudi praised the Kano Pillars team but believed that the Rangers’ efforts exceeded theirs. He encouraged the fans to maintain their faith and support for the team.
Coach Abdullahi admitted that fatigue affected his players, as they had a late arrival the previous night and reached the stadium only by 3 pm. Despite an unimpressive game, he expressed hope for a strong recovery in their home match.
On their upcoming match with Bayelsa United, Coach Abdullahi remained confident, particularly in the team’s young players making their debuts. He expected nothing less than victory.
What’s Next
Rangers will face LOBI Stars F.C of Makurdi in a match day 6 fixture scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa State.
Kano Pillars look forward to hosting Bayelsa United in their next matchday.
