How Rangers demolished Wikki Tourists in Awka
It was a classical display of attacking football laced with fluidity in the middle and solid at the back as the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International found their range to demolish visiting Wikki Tourists 3-0 in a NPFL matchday 16 tie at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday.
The coach Abdul Maikaba tutored side left nobody in doubt of its intention in the game as the attacking trio on Godwin Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo, who grabbed
a brace in the encounter, and Austin Onyemaechi went on the offensive as soon as the referee signaled the start of hostilities.
As early as the 6th minute of play, fans had risen to celebrate Obaje’s connecting header off Esor Achibong’s corner kick but his effort crashed on the
cross-bar and bounced safely for the Wikki short stopper to make an easy catch.
Despite dominating proceedings, the home side waited for nearly half an hour to break the resistance of the visiting ‘Big Elephants’ when Chidiebere Nwobodo
jumped the highest to connect home an Esor Achibong’ well-struck corner kick on 27 minutes.
On 52 minutes, Nwobodo scored his second of the day as he was supplied the ammunition by Auwalu Naziru who had dispossessed an opponent of the ball while
substitute, Samuel Pam stabbed home the third goal on 86 minutes just as Obaje missed a seater on 65 and the assistant referee chalked off what would have
been a third goal for Nwobodo on 72 minutes for a possible offside.
At the tail end of the fixture, Detan Ogundare produced two quick saves in the added time to ensure his side kept a clean slate.
Coach Abdul Maikaba said after the encounter, “It was a good game and a good result that we worked for even as we can’t take away the effect of the promise
of cash reward by the Youth & Sports Commissioner on the players. Our opponent showed resistance but we wanted the result more and pushed for it and got it.
I am happy even when the result will not help us challenge for the top three positions, it will give us the boost to go very far in the Federation Cup 2023.”
Two-goal hero, Chidiebere Nwobodo said, “I am happy for the two goals I scored and I thank my teammates for their support. Before the match I had promised to
score and to God be the glory, I scored twice and hope to continue in coming matches.”
Rangers will next travel to the Pantami Stadium, Gombe for a match day 17 fixture against Doma United on May 7, 2023.
