Rangers coach, Maikaba delighted with point gained against Niger Tornadoes
As 'Flying Antelopes' shift focus to their MatchDay 5 fixture vs Dakkada F.C
Rangers International F.C of Enugu head coach Abdul Maikaba is delighted his side managed to get a point from their away fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
The ‘Flying Antelopes’ secured a well-deserved goalless draw against their hard-fighting host in their Matchday 4, Group B, NPFL 2022/2023 fixture inside Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna with goalkeeper George Michael making excellent saves to ensure that the host shared the spoils on Sunday before an appreciative crowd.
Coach Maikaba had made six changes to the squad that was held to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars in the last match, handing starts to short-stopper, Emeka Nwabulu just as there was a season debut for Chukwudi Nwaodu, Olawale Doyeni with Rangers Feeder team graduate, Kenneth Igboke having his first baptism of fire and they did not disappoint.
With the first half failing to produce any goal, the attacking trio of Chidiebere Nwobodo, Austin Onyemaechi, and Hadi Mohammed upped their game at the start of the second and had an excellent opportunity to score at 52 minutes but, Onyemaechi’ shot off an inch-perfect defense splitting pass from Hadi missed target by a few inches.
Substitute, Reuben Bala, after dribbling his way past four markers fired a canon of a shot that was bravely stopped by George Michael on 85 minutes to the relief of the home team supporters while the technical bench of the visiting side rued another opportunity gone begging.
After the game, Maikaba expressed delight with the result.
“At least we have got something from an away fixture. We actually came here for the three points but the pitch did not help my players I am happy that we are gradually getting back our groove. My players fought very well and were able to come out with one point. Hopefully, we shall start winning from our next game.”
Rangers will next take on Dakkada F.C in a match day 5 fixture at their adopted home ground, Awka City Stadium as they hope to improve on the accrued two points from four matches played.
