Rangers International of Enugu beat Nasarawa United FC 3-1 on Monday to climb to second spot on the league table.

Two early successive goals sealed the fate of Nasarawa United FC on its quest for points at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in the Coal City.

The two goals came from Godspower Aniefiok’s beautiful header and a free kick close to the 18-yard box taken by Isaac Loute.

With this win, Rangers is now second on the Nigeria Professional Football League table. Although it shares the same 30 points with league leaders Kwara United, the Ilorin squad has a superior goal difference.

The goalkeeper spilled Loute’s shot and the free ball was intercepted and neatly tapped into the net by Chinonso Eziekwe in the 8th minute.

The goals humbled the “solid minerals” gang from the Nasarawa and buoyed supporters of Coal City boys to sing “Holy 3×” at “the Cathedral” on Monday.

The Match Day 17 Nigeria Professional Football League encounter incidentally happened on the first-year anniversary of the death of striker Ifeanyi George.

Before they were substituted, “flying Antelopes” duo of Chidiebere Nwobodo and Christian Nnaji kept tormenting the defense line of Nasarawa manned by Ebuka Anaekwe and Tebo Franklin.

 Nasarawa’s Coach Nikiyu of Nasarawa quickly changed three players, including Goalkeeper Danlami Umar and introduced Godwin Ameh to halt the incessant assault.

Rangers Chief Coach, Mangut Mbwas withdrew the duo and replaced Chidiebere with Vandagar Daniel and Christian by Ifeanyi Okoro.

Coach Mbwas said he was happy with the result.

“The most important thing in the match is the three points and we are happy we got them just as we started the game on a very good note.

“In the second half we gave them too much room to operate but thankfully they could not convert some of the chances created. 

“I am very happy to be amongst the scorers today and even more, the victory at the end of the match.”

Late Striker Ifeanyi George

“Nasarawa United is a highly motivated side and they came here with all intentions to slow us down. The early goals helped us to stabilize and we thank God for the win.”

Godspower Aniefiok who got the opening goal of the day and his third for the season for the Enugu side, was also elated.

He dedicated the goal to his former teammate and friend, late Ifeanyi George, who died exactly one year on Monday when the match was played.

“I am glad I scored a goal for him today,” Aniefiok said.

With this win, Rangers is now second on the Nigeria Professional Football League table. Although it shares the same 30 points with league leaders Kwara United, the Ilorin squad has a superior goal difference.

For its next match, Rangers will travel to Jos to play Plateau United this Sunday, 28 March 2021.

Match Line-Up (Rangers):

  • Seidu Mutawakilu
  • Osas Okoro
  • Isaac Loute (Ifeanyi Nweke -57th Min.)
  • Tony Shimaga
  • Ebuka Anthony
  • Ernest Governor
  • Chidiebere Nwobodo(Daniel Vandagar -82nd Min.)
  • Godspower Aniefiok (Ajayi Femi -73rd Min.), Esor Achibong
  • Christian Nnaji (Ifeanyi Okoro -73rd Min.) Chinonso Eziekwe (Kenechukwu Agu -57th Min.)

On the Bench: Femi Thomas, Issif Traore, Tony Eliagwu, Shedrack Asiegbu.

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