Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Rangers International Football club of Enugu on Saturday defeated Kwara United of Ilorin 3-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in the week 29 of the 2025 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) match.
The reigning NPFL defending champions, delivered a resounding victory over Kwara United to mark it’s crucial return to winning ways after a string of poor results.
It would be recalled that the flying Antelopes held Akwa United to 1-1 draw in Enugu last week and suffered a 2-1 loss to Kano Pillars in Kano.
Head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, for the first time entrusted starts to Ikechukwu Mgbemena and Daniel Onyia, a decision that paid off.
From the blast of whistle, Rangers displayed relentless attacking intent and within a minute into the game, Chiedozie Okorie ignited the stadium with a lightning-fast goal.
The home side continued to press forward and doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark when Okorie again set up Isaac Saviour for his eighth goal of the season.
Rangers nearly extended their lead further before halftime but substitute Frank Uwumiro narrowly missed connecting with an inch-perfect cross from Okorie.
Okorie himself came agonizingly close, evading Kwara United goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus, but his shot drifted just wide.
On resumption of the second half Rangers maintained their attacking momentum and In the 59th minute, Uwumiro capitalised on a defensive mix-up, to stab home Rangers’ third and final goal.
The home defense led by Austin Opara and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, remained resolute as they denied the visitors any consolation goal.
The victory moved Rangers to third place in the 20-team NPFL table, with 45 points from 29 matches.
In a post match interview, Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu of Rangers praised his team’s performance.
He said: “It was a good day in the office for our players, a complete turnaround from last weekend.
“We created numerous chances and converted three, which is a huge boost.
“We remain positive about finishing the season strongly.”
However, his Kwara United counterpart, Tunde Sanni, expressed disappointment over the loss.
“This wasn’t the result we came for, especially after Rangers denied us points at home.
“My players lost possession too easily, particularly in midfield.
“We need to address these issues,” he said.
Man-of-the-match Chiedozie Okorie expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank my teammates, coaches, and management for their support.
“I give God all the glory for this win and hope to contribute even more.”
