Rangers Vs Niger Tornadoes: ‘Flying Antelopes’ target winning start as second stanza of NPFL begins this weekend

Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu want to start the second stanza of the 2024/2025 NPFL season the way they ended the first stanza when they host Niger Tornadoes F.C of Minna at the ‘Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, for a match day 20 fixture scheduled for this Saturday.

Interestingly, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ won away from home when they defeated the Minna side at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna in the last match of the first round.

Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic of going into the reverse fixture aiming to maintain another long stretch of unbeaten runs.

With the presence of most of the actors that navigated the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to a 4th place finish in the first round and the addition of the likes of Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Ejike Uzoechi, Patrick Egeonu, Michael Uchebo, and Amobi Ezeaku to the squad, followers of the Coal City side are assured of quality display in the second round.

Taking a look into the coming fixture, defense Trojan, Austin Opara, who appeared in every minute of matches of the first round, said, ‘It would be a difficult second stanza but we have our work cut out which is to ensure that we make Enugu a fortress and as Tornadoes visit, they would want to get something from the game but we are focused on starting the second round on a good note. I believe we have what it takes to effectively challenge for the title again.’

On his part, left-back, Evans Ogbonda, echoed the optimism of his team mate stressing, ‘We have been working hard since we resumed from the break and I believe that Niger Tornadoes won’t be a stumbling block towards our starting the second stanza on a good note. I know that they will come with everything but we know what starting the second round with a win means for our target this season.’

Match winner in the reverse fixture, Bashir Usman, who was carried shoulder high by his fans back in Minna after his wonder goal is also optimistic going into this weekend’s fixture against his former employers, stressing, ‘No two matches are the same but with the level of preparations we have done ahead of the match, I believe that we shall get a very good result against Niger Tornadoes. They are no pushovers, so we shall play them with respect.’

The ‘Flying Antelopes’ would be looking to maintain their dominance over the ‘Ikon Allah’ boys as has been the case in the last twenty-four encounters between both sides as the Enugu side enjoy ten victories as against three wins for the Minna based side with eleven matches ending in draw.

On current form, coach Ilechukwu boasts of three wins, two draws and a loss in the last six league fixtures with coach Maaji Mohammed’s side earning two wins and four losses in their last six matches.