Rangers Roar Past Abia Warriors 3-1, Retain NPFL Top Spot

By Uche Eke

Rangers International of Enugu strengthened their grip on the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with a convincing 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors in their Matchday 7 encounter at the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday.

The Flying Antelopes produced a composed performance in front of a capacity crowd, with goals from Godwin Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Akorode Daniel securing all three points for the Enugu-based side.

Obaje opened the scoring in the 37th minute, giving Rangers a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Rangers continued their attacking momentum after the restart, with Nwobodo doubling the advantage four minutes into the second half.

Abia Warriors pulled one back in the 53rd minute when Chukwuemeka Obioma calmly converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Warriors pushed for an equaliser, but Rangers held firm before sealing the victory deep into stoppage time. Akorode Daniel found the net in the 90+5th minute to complete the 3-1 win.

The victory takes Rangers to 16 points from seven matches, keeping them at the top of the NPFL standings, while Abia Warriors remain in the lower half of the table.

The match was played at the Awka Township Stadium, which Rangers are currently using as their temporary home ground while renovation work continues at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Speaking after the encounter, Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, said the state would continue to provide a conducive environment for Rangers during their temporary stay.

“The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is sports-loving and will continue to ensure a conducive and friendly environment while Rangers International play their home matches here,” Agha Mba said.

Despite the defeat, Abia Warriors Technical Adviser and Head Coach, Imama Amapakabo, said his team created better scoring opportunities but failed to convert them.

He also blamed defensive lapses for the defeat.

“We created far better chances, but we were not able to convert them into goals. We were also complacent defensively, and that cost us,” Amapakabo said.

The Abia Warriors coach also questioned a major officiating decision early in the game, claiming that an infringement involving a Rangers player in the fourth minute should have resulted in a red card and a penalty for his side.

“The infringement in the fourth minute should have attracted a red card and a penalty in our favour. That was a key moment in the game,” he said.

The Awka Township Stadium was filled to capacity as enthusiastic supporters cheered Rangers throughout the encounter, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the South-East derby.

Rangers will now look to build on the victory as they continue their push for the NPFL title, while Abia Warriors face the task of turning their fortunes around in their subsequent fixtures.