Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu was full of praise for his players after they snatched a point against Sunshine Stars at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure on Sunday.
High-flying Rangers were guests of the Akure Gunners in the match day 8 encounter of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season which finished in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Rangers got the opening goal after just five minutes when former league top-scorer, Godwin Obaje nodded home an exquisite delivery from Isaac Saviour’s well-taken free kick before the hosts got back on level terms through Ibrahim Yusuf less than ten minutes later. Moses Omoduemuke’s deflected effort then handed the home side the lead before an own goal from Duke Osimaga denied Sunshine Stars all three points on their home turf in Akure.
Speaking after the match, Ilechukwu was full of praise for his players for fighting till the end but went ahead to bash them for conceding cheap goals in the encounter.
“It was a very difficult match against a quality side but as our slogan says, we never say die until the final whistle and I give my players kudos as we keep working on the areas of deficiency. My defense gave away cheap goals but we keep working until we get it right.”
Hot Stat: Rangers are the only side in the NPFL who have scored in every game this season.
On the result, Ilechukwu said: “I am very happy [about the result]. We came here with the mindset that everywhere is home for us and came here and got a point.”
On the set target for the 2023/24 NPFL season, the former MFM tactician said “No target” and he walked away with a broad smile on his face.
With the result in Akure on Sunday, Rangers remain third with 14 points from eight matches and will next play Katsina United on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Awka City stadium on match day nine.
