RANGERS CLINCH CRUCIAL WIN AGAINST WIKKI TOURISTS

The Matchday 26 encounter between Rangers International FC and Wikki Tourists FC was indeed thrilling, as both sides battled fiercely at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes maintained their imperious home form, securing a crucial 2–0 victory to keep pace in the title race.

The Matchday 26 encounter between Rangers International FC and Wikki Tourists FC was indeed thrilling, as both sides battled fiercely at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes maintained their imperious home form, securing a crucial 2–0 victory to keep pace in the title race. FIRST HALF RANGERS DOMINATE Rangers stamped their authority early, creating clear goal scoring opportunities from the opening minutes. In the 8th minute, defender Abbah Musa miscalculated a pass from goalkeeper Utum Godswill. Chidiebere Nwobodo pounced on the loose ball, but his effort struck the side netting. Two minutes later, Rangers came close again after Captain Nwobodo was brought down at the edge of the box. Chibueze Oputa’s free kick rattled the crossbar. The visitors responded in the 12th minute when Jonathan Mairiga saw his shot blocked by debutant Wale Akintola, while the follow up effort sailed over the bar. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute. Kenneth Igboke controlled a long ball from goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh, outpaced his marker, and squared it to Wisdom Ebirim, who calmly fired past Utum to give Rangers the lead. Rangers continued to press and had a penalty appeal waved away in the 27th minute when Igboke was brought down inside the box. The referee ruled the foul occurred outside the area and awarded a free kick instead. Oputa’s well struck effort troubled Utum, and amid the ensuing scramble, Igboke found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul. The Flying Antelopes doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Emmanuel Essien picked out Daniel Eni, who delivered a defence splitting pass to Godwin Obaje. The forward finished clinically to register his ninth goal of the season. SECOND HALF QUIET ACTION The tempo dropped after the restart as Rangers took full control, managing the game effectively and denying Wikki Tourists any clear cut chances in the second half. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu made tactical substitutions to maintain stability, introducing Kenechukwu Agu, Godwin Asiriuwa, and Prince Igwe as Rangers cruised to victory. AS IT STANDS Rangers International FC now sit second on the league table with 43 points, just one point behind league leaders Ikorodu City United. Wikki Tourists FC remain 16th with 29 points. UP NEXT Rangers will aim to sustain their momentum when they travel to face Katsina United FC in Katsina. Meanwhile, Wikki Tourists will host Remo Stars FC as they look to bounce back.