Rangers keep title hopes alive with victory over Lobi Stars in Enugu

Rangers Football Club of Enugu, on Sunday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the week 26 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

The first 45 minutes of the encounter saw the host team dominate proceedings from the blast of the whistle but the stout defence of Lobi denied them of goals.

However, the Flying Antelopes were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when Ugochukwu Ejike was hacked down in the box by Lobi Goalkeeper, Lucky Abdulahi.

Ugochukwu neatly beat Abdulahi to give Rangers a deserving lead in the 40th minute to end the first half 1-0.

Kingsley Madufori gave Rangers the second goal immediately on resumption of the second half in the 48th minute.

Substitute, Stanley Oganbor, pulled one back for Lobi in the 60th minute.

All efforts by Rangers to increase the tally failed while Lobi’s attempt to equalise proved abortive.

Post-match reactions

In his post-match reaction, the Chief Coach of Lobi Stars, Eugene Ogabe, praised the officiating of the match adding that he was impressed by the performance of his players.

“I am impressed with my players; I am also happy with the officiating; we will go back and prepare for our next game, ” he said.

On his part, Rangers Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, said though he made several changes to his starting lineup due to injuries by his starters, he was satisfied with the result.

“I am happy for the win. Some of my players were injured and I decided to make changes but I am happy about the game, ” he said.

The win takes Rangers to 45 points behind Lobi with 46 points, while they travel away to Heartland in Owerri next Wednesday.

(NAN)