IWUNDU, ITODO INSPIRE RANGERS TO FIRST NPFL VICTORY

Rangers International FC secured their first Nigeria Premier Football League victory of the season with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Nasarawa United in a rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Rangers International FC secured their first Nigeria Premier Football League victory of the season with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Nasarawa United in a rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The Flying Antelopes started brightly, controlling the opening exchanges and dictating the tempo, but were unable to convert their early dominance into a goal. Godwin Obaje came close in the 17th minute after Azeez Falolu's effort deflected into his path, but Nasarawa United goalkeeper Olughu Chinenerem reacted quickly to deny the Rangers forward. The visitors gradually grew into the contest and almost took the lead in the 24th minute. Musa Yakubu's defence-splitting pass released Oche Bawa, whose powerful effort was saved by Abuchi Okeke. Rangers responded three minutes later as Waheed Adebayo picked out Chimezie Victor, but his dangerous cross flashed across the face of goal without finding a teammate. Nasarawa United eventually broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Sunday Dapman drilled a free-kick into the bottom corner. The lead lasted just two minutes. Folarin Temitope delivered a dangerous free-kick into the area and Chidozie Iwundu rose highest to head Rangers level and send the teams into the break at 1–1. SECOND HALF: RANGERS TURN THE SCREW The Flying Antelopes returned for the second half with greater intensity, putting the visitors under sustained pressure. Chimaobi Igwilo was a constant threat on the left and nearly created the second goal in the 52nd minute after beating his marker and setting up Godwin Obaje, whose effort was stopped by Chinenerem. Eight minutes later, Rangers came close again. Waheed Adebayo found Azeez Falolu in behind the defence, but the Nasarawa goalkeeper once again came to his side's rescue. Rangers continued to press after the game resumed following Friday's suspension, with Daniel Itodo's long throw causing problems in the Nasarawa penalty area. Obaje met the delivery, but his header sailed just over the crossbar. The pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute. Chibueze Oputa's dangerous free-kick was met by Godwin Obaje, whose header was saved by Chinenerem. Daniel Itodo reacted quickest to the rebound, firing into the net to complete Rangers' comeback and put the hosts 2–1 ahead. There was further drama in the 88th minute when Igwilo went down inside the box after a challenge from the goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on. Rangers almost added a third late on. Falolu produced an excellent piece of skill before finding Oputa, but the midfielder's effort lacked the power to beat Chinenerem. Obaje then came within inches of scoring in stoppage time after a fine one-two between Adebayo and Falolu, but his effort drifted narrowly wide. The final whistle confirmed a deserved 2–1 victory for the Flying Antelopes. RANGERS INT'L FC 2–1 NASARAWA UNITED FC AS IT STANDS The victory moves Rangers up to ninth on the NPFL table, with a game in hand, while Nasarawa United drop to 15th. UP NEXT Rangers will face Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, while Nasarawa United host Rivers United.