NPFL: Rangers say they are in Minna to redeem our image

Players and coaches of reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu, say the team was in Minna, Niger state to redeem its image as the trade tackles with home side, Niger Tornadoes F.C of Minna in a match day 19, 2024/2025 NPFL fixture inside Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna.

In exclusive chats after the work-out session by the team at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, Saturday, the trio of coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, Lucky Abdullahi, and Bashir Usman were optimistic of picking a good result in Minna to compensate for the loss they suffered at home against Shooting Stars of Ibadan so as to end the first stanza of the season on a very bright note and keep hope alive for a successful title defense.

Coach Ekenedilichukwu who is the chief-coach of the Enugu side, said that the squad that was in Minna are positive and determined to defend the badge of the club and take home all three points at stake even when he agrees that the match would be interesting and difficult for both sides who are coming from losses in their last fixtures.

‘We are in Minna for business and with what I see the players display in the work-out session at the Bako Kontagora stadium, I am optimistic of returning to Enugu with our heads held high.

‘We know that last week was not ours with the home loss which we have put behind us and focused on getting something from the match against Niger Tornadoes in Minna. I expect a difficult match but we have our works cut out,’ stated the young gaffer.

Shot stopper, Lucky Abdullahi, who started his professional career with the ‘Ikon Allah’ boys is also positive going into this weekends tie.

‘Minna, Niger state is my home and it was here I signed my first professional career but I have a job and a club I must defend which I must do. We are in Minna to wrap the maximum points and keep our title defense hopes alive.

‘Sure, I have nostalgic feeling going into the match but I have a contract that I must protect and I am optimistic that we shall return to Enugu with a precious win to assuage our fans feelings after the unfortunate home loss last week,’ he said.

Enterprising winger, Bashir Usman, who joined Rangers from the Minna based outfit is also optimistic of getting a result.

‘Sure, I was here in Minna defending the Sky-Blues until the end of last season but now, I am paid to defend the Red and White of the league defending champions, Rangers and I believe that we are in Minna to pick the three points and steady our challenge for a title defense.

‘Last weekend was not the best for us and we are optimistic and determined to give the match our all so as to realize our target of travelling to Minna. Tornadoes is a good side but we have what it takes to get a good result to make up for last week’s loss in Enugu.’

Rangers currently occupy the 4th spot on the twenty team log with 28 points while the home side, Niger Tornadoes are placed 9th with 24 points while Rangers enjoys an edge over the coach Majin Mohammed tutored side in the twenty-three times both sides have clashed with the Enugu side enjoying nine wins as against three for the Minna side while eleven encounter ended in draws.