NPFL: Rangers confident of repelling Abia Warriors attack in Enugu

Technical Adviser of Rangers, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic of getting a good result when his side host oriental brothers, Abia Warriors on Sunday in a NPFL match day 5 fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The ‘Flying Antelopes’ defeated Bayelsa United mid-week in a rescheduled fixture and hope to carry that form into Sunday’s game.

Ilechukwu will be banking on the return of some of his players who are returning from injuries to stop the visitors led by coach Imama Amapakabo and who have not lost a game on the road since the start of the season.

With only two points separating the two sides and Rangers perching on the 7th spot on the log with seven points as against the 12th spot occupied by Abia Warriors with five points, an explosive encounter is expected inside ‘The Cathedral’ with the Enugu side getting a boost with the return of Onyekachi Okafor and Joel Odoh who have been out injured.

‘We are always positive in every game. It has not been easy for us before now but we are gradually getting the blend needed to successfully defend our trophy.

‘Against Abia Warriors, we are going to pick our three points against a coach I respect so much and call my mentor. We are going to defend our name, badge, and ensure that we make our fans happy at the end of the match.

‘It will be a difficult match, but we are primed to get the needed result,’ said coach Ilechukwu.

Captain of the Enugu based side, Chinemerem Ugwueze shares in his coach’s sentiments.

‘I think it is not going to be an easy match considering the fact that we are playing against our former coach who led us to the trophy in 2016, but we are always positive going into any of our match and this is no difference.

‘Our fans should come out in their numbers to cheer us to another win as we push to successfully defend the trophy we won last season,’ he said.

When both sides met in November last year, Abia Warriors defeated Rangers 1-0 at the Umuahia Township stadium in Umuahia courtesy of a second minute goal by Chimzulam Collins Nwoburuoke.

The Flying Antelopes also won by a 1-0 margin in the reverse fixture in April this year when they successfully repelled an Abia Warriors fightback to win 3-2.

Rangers had gone 3-1 up after Kazeem Ogunleye (48) and Chiedozie Jude Okorie scored after the first half ended 1-1. A 92nd minute goal by Paschal Nwabueze made it a nerve finish for the host.