Rangers International FC of Enugu climbed to top spot in Group A of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after an impressive 2-1 away win at the Ilorin Township Stadium against Kwara United in a rescheduled Match Day 6 game decided on Wednesday.
On the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, the Gbenga Ogunbote coached Rangers went into the lead in the 25th minute when striker Ifeanyi George glanced home Chiamaka Madu’s corner at the far post. The hosts were stunned.
One soon became two just three minutes later when Rangers’ top scorer in all competitions this term Godwin Aguda stole the ball from United defender Sunday Akinmoladun before finishing home beyond Flying Eagles goalkeeper Olawale Oremade.
Kwara coach Abubakar Bala made two changes at half time, introducing winger Peter Momoh and attacking midfielder Tijani Adamu as they looked to claw their way back into the game.
The move brought some hope in the 65th minute when Ebenezer Odeyemi capitalised on a defensive slip-up to half the deficit for United. They could however not get a long sought equalising goal as Rangers’ defence held on for their first away win of the season on the domestic front.
One other highlight of the day also was the return of Rangers forward Ifeanyi Egwim from a 30-month injury layoff. Egwim who was injured on the final day of Rangers’ league success in 2016 came on as an 89th minute substitute for the reigning Cup champions.
The win lifts Rangers to top spot with 24 points from 11 games, one more than MFM FC’s tally of 23 points with the Flying Antelopes still having three more games outstanding. Kwara United meanwhile stay in a dangerous eighth position on the log.
