MATCH REPORT: BAYELSA UNITED FC V. RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC

Matchday 36 of the NPFL delivered an exciting contest in Yenagoa as Rangers International FC secured a crucial away victory over Bayelsa United.

Matchday 36 of the NPFL delivered an exciting contest in Yenagoa as Rangers International FC secured a crucial away victory over Bayelsa United. FIRST HALF: RANGERS IN CONTROL Rangers dominated proceedings in the opening 45 minutes, dictating the tempo and creating the better chances. The first opportunity came in the 9th minute when Wisdom Ebirim’s long throw located Chidozie Iwundu in the box, but his right-footed effort drifted wide. In the 24th minute, Godwin Obaje capitalized on a loose ball and unleashed a powerful strike, but Bayelsa United goalkeeper Andy Clinton reacted well to tip it over the bar. The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute. Daniel Eni reacted quickest after his initial effort was saved, heading the rebound into the path of Chidiebere Nwobodo, who calmly slotted home. Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was called into action late in the half, producing a brilliant double save to deny Stephen Wisdom and preserve the lead heading into the break. SECOND HALF: JOB DONE Bayelsa United returned with renewed intensity after the restart and nearly found a way back early on. A dangerous free-kick into the box caused confusion but Nwobodo was on hand to clear the danger. Rangers sealed the victory in the 85th minute. Ibrahim Yusuf won possession in midfield and released a perfectly weighted through ball to Godwin Obaje, who showed composure to finish clinically,his 12th goal of the season. The hosts pushed late on and came close in the 89th minute when a close-range header slipped through Jimoh’s grasp, but once again Nwobodo reacted quickly to clear off danger. FULL TIME Bayelsa United FC 0–2 Rangers International FC AS IT STANDS Bayelsa United sit bottom of the table on 40 points, while Rangers International FC strengthen their grip at the top with 62 points. UP NEXT Rangers will look to clinch their ninth NPFL title when they host Bendel Insurance at the Cathedral. Bayelsa United, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back and avoid relegation as they travel to face Kwara United.