The management and coaching crew of the ‘Flying Antelopes,’ Rangers International F.C have succeeded in getting the services of the troika of Austin Osayande, Leonard Ugochukwu, and Chinecherem Ugwueze as the team completes preparations for the commencement of the second round of the 2022/2023 NPFL Abridge season.
The three have already started training with the Enugu side and are in high spirits to contribute their quota toward helping the club achieve its set target for the season.
Attacking midfielder and fleet-footed Osayande was gotten from Dakkada F.C just as Ugochukwu, a veteran of many top sides is joining forces with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ from Akwa United. In contrast, young defensive midfielder, Chinecherem, joins from the NNL side, Giant Brillars F.C of Enugu.
Speaking at the short unveiling ceremony that took place at the club’s administrative headquarters, G.R.A, Enugu, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, Administrative Secretary of Rangers, said, “It is a thing of joy for us to have the three players join our ranks to help us achieve our set target for the season. With the approval of the coaching crew, we went for the players and it is our hope and belief they are coming with the needed skills and determination to help us achieve what we set out initially to achieve at the start of the season.”
Recall that Rangers did not start the season as expected, picking up nine points from its first eight matches scoring four goals while leaking in six goals.
Rangers will be taking on the league defending champions, Rivers United F.C. in a rescheduled match day 8 fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port-Harcourt on March 15, 2023.
The Enugu state FA Cup perennial champions maintained the tradition of winning the state FA Cup at the final match of the 2023 edition played at the Rangers Practice Pitch, Independence Layout, did a demolition job of their opponent, Ingas F.C of New Haven with scores standing at 5-1 as FIFA Badge referee, Ndidi Madu brought proceedings to an end, to maintain the tradition of winning the Enugu state FA Cup.
Lining up what may be described as a very strong match day squad that had Uche John leading from the back with the midfield trio led by Saidu Adamu and Shedrack Asiegbu with Godwin Obaje leading the attack, coach Abdul Maikaba showed the tenacity that has been sought after since the start of the season with the right-back, Chidera Ezeh opening the flood gates of goals with a sublime free kick from the edge of the box which nestled safely inside the opponent’s goal on 7 minutes.
On 15 minutes, defensive midfielder, Innocent Gabriel worked his way through a sea of tackling legs to stab home the second goal of the day for Rangers but the NLO side halved the deficit on 28 minutes when attacking sensation, Okorie Chiedozie expertly curled home a free kick from the edge of the box.
Chidiebere Nwobodo restored the two goals cushion in 57 minutes when he ran unto an inch-perfect cross from Austin Onyemaechi while Godwin Obaje grabbed a quick brace on 79 and 82 minutes to further punish the coach Kingsley Obiekwu (MON) tutored side.
At the end of the well-contested fixture, Rangers coach, Abdul Maikaba said, “It was a good game against a determined side but our early goals destabilized them. I am happy with the performance of my players today, especially with the harvest of goals and it is my belief that it will motivate the players going into the second round of the NPFL season starting with our rescheduled match with Rivers United.”
On his part, the coach of the NLO side, Kingsley Obiekwu (MON), said, “I congratulate Rangers for this victory but it is my belief that we shall have a better outing at the national level.”
Chairman of Enugu state F.A., Hon. Barr. Anthony Ugwu described the final match as a perfect display of great football artistry by both sides and stated that it was his belief that both sides will make a great representation of the state when the national competition kicks off.
The final match attracted a huge crowd of spectators and critical stakeholders that includes top club managers, match commissioners, referees, and the Chief Operating Officer of the I.M.C, Prince Davidson Owumi.
