The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rangers international

  • Confederation cup: Rangers eye three points in Cathedral opener

     

    Confederation cup campaigners Rangers international are living no stones unturned in preparations ahead of the opening match against Defence Force S.C of Ethiopia on Wednesday.

    The Flying Antelopes who picked the ticket to compete in the continent after winning the Federation cup at the expense of Kano Pillars were as at Saturday burning the calories in training all aimed at being in super shape for the clash.  The Ethiopian side being a military team boasts of rigorous training and uncompromising fitness, an indication that they will give the Coal City boys a run for their strength at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium dubbed the Cathedral.

    The team while intensifying training on Saturday took time to inform their numerous fans that shaping up is being taken seriously.

    “Getting set for the first CAF Confederation Cup game next week Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium” the team said via @RangersIntFC.

    Defence, competes in the Ethiopian premier league and are indeed no pushovers at the home front.  The team has won Ethiopian premier league 11 times and also have 14 Ethiopian Cup in the kitty.

    Meanwhile coach of the side Olugbenga Ogunbote has called on Nigerians to massively support the teams flying the nation’s flag on the continent. The teams according will be fired up by such support, adding that it is time for Nigeria to reclaim a place of pride in the CAF Champions league and confederation cup respectively.

    “I want to appeal to Nigerians to give their maximum support to the clubs flying the country’s flag in the Champions and Confederation Cups Competition. The support will help propel the players to give their best,” he submitted

    Rangers will be campaigning in the Confederation cup while Lobi Stars who emerged champions of abridged premier league will battle opponents in the Champions league.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Flavour adds garnishing as Rangers hit Yobe 3-0

     

    It was double delight at the Cathedral on Wednesday as soccer fans who had trooped out in their numbers to watch Rangers International  take on visiting Yobe stars did not only enjoy the match but also had the benefit of having one of the wave making musicians in their midst.

    Popular singer and songwriter Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli otherwise called Flavour was among the sports loving fans that turned out to watch the match that saw Rangers pocket three points and three goals.

    Flavour who probably planned to step in just to enjoy the show was however spotted on the stand with many of his fans hailing the Na Abania exponent. The club did not also fail to thank the musician whose brand of music hip-pop garnished with high life and everything in between has become a must play at most social gatherings especially at weddings where the brides insist on special numbers like’ Ada- Ada’ to mention just that.

    Rangers gave their fans a lot to cheer about posting an emphatic 3-0 victory.  Ajani Ibrahim accounted for two of the goals while Bright Silas sealed the third goal.

    In other midweek matches decided today, Rivers United beat Heartland of Owerri 2-0 Kano Pillars hammered Ifeanyi Ubah 4-0 in Kano,while Sunshine stars shared points with visiting Kwara United after a 2-2 draw.  Nasarawa United handed Kastina United a 2-1 defeat.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Rangers donates to Motherless Babies *set for Elkanemi

    Rangers donates to Motherless Babies *set for Elkanemi

     

    Rangers international are not only concerned about playing well and winning the league but also concerned about putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged.  The coaching crew and players of the team Saturday paid a visit to the Guardian Angel Motherless Babies Home, donating essentials like Rice, Groundnut oil fruit juice among others.

    The Gbenga Ogunbote tutored said the gesture was their own little way of providing for the needy adding “As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the team, the players and technical crew paid a visit to Guardian Angel Motherless Babies Home in Enugu this morning”

    Meanwhile the Coal city based side will be hoping to sing victory song when they welcome Elkanemi Warriors Sunday at the Cathedral.

    The Flying Antelopes are 9th on the log with 10 points in seven matches.

    Meanwhile the team’s Godwin Zaki is hoping to open his goal account against visiting Elkanemi after goal drought that is beginning to give him cause for worry. Zaki who urged Rangers fans to troop out in large numbers to support them said he hopes to double effort in goal scoring even as he expressed hope that the coach will hand him an opportunity

    “I think I know what is wrong with my game. It has been challenging for me since the start of the season.

    “But I trust my God to open my account against El-Kanemi if fielded by my coaches,” he said

    Elkanemi who are likely to be high spirit following the return of their coach Imama Amakpakabo after national assignment in Morocco will however be without two of their players no thanks to injury, Ghanaian import  Sulleyman Mohammed who has been ruled out for up to six weeks after sustaining injury against Plateau United and, Utako Aghahowa who will be out for least four weeks after he fractured his leg in their 1-0 away defeat to Sunshine Stars in Akure last week.

    Elkanemi stand-in coach Ernest Ezeru speaking ahead of the match said the team will give it their best shot.

    With the return of the Imama who happens to be former Rangers coach, the tie promises to be full of fireworks.

  • Antelopes seek maximum points against Kastina Utd

    Antelopes seek maximum points against Kastina Utd

     

    Rangers international are looking forward to maximum points in Wednesday’s clash against visiting Kastina United. The Gbenga Ogunbote led Flying Antelopes have been armed with extra motivation after they successfully earned an away victory against Oriental brothers and premier league returnees, Heartland at the weekend.

    The Owerri victory marked the second time the Coal City boys will be beating the Nazi Millionaires at home in three seasons.

    Business minded Bright Silas who grabbed the goal for the Flying Antelopes will no doubt be hoping to re-enact the feat at the Cathedral in front of vociferous supporters who are eager to see the team lay hands on the title once more after breaking 32 year jinx to claim the league title under former coach Imama Amakpakabo.

    Although some say it is too early to give any team doing well now a standing ovation with just four matches played, others say earning vital points in the early stages of the league could be a deciding factor as points don’t come cheap from the 20th match of the season when the race to the finish begins in full force.

    While Tope Olusesi who was injured in the game against Akwa United and yet to resume training is out of the clash against Kastina United, the trio of Senegalese Ousmane Sane, Chidiebere Okolie and Ugonna Anyaora have all started light training according to the club and may play a part in the game.

    Kastina United go into the match fresh from a 2-0 victory over Enyimba. Kastina United’s duo of Martin Usule and Usman Barau who grabbed the goals against Enyimba will definitely be hoping to hit target against Antelopes given the opportunity Wednesday at the Cathedral.

    There are strong indications that Rangers technical crew who have announced satisfaction with their training ahead of the match will not allow the visitors party at their expense.

    Kastina United put finishing touches to training after arriving Enugu, and are  set for the showdown after appreciating their training under very clement weather Tuesday, submitting thereafter;

    “A wonderful and sunny new down here in Enugu as we continue our preparation ahead of tomorrow’s game against @RangersIntFC

     

     

     

     

     

  • Antelopes ready to fly this season-Madu

    Antelopes ready to fly this season-Madu

     

     

    Rangers international are determined to re-enact the feat achieved in the 2015/16 season even as a fresh season kicked off today.

    Impressive midfielder Christian Madu who revealed the team’s mindset said the coal City boys are fully prepared for the new season, adding that the promise made by state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to pay winning bonus as at when due will be an added advantage.

    Breaking 32 years jinx to win the league again according to him,  put smiles on the faces of teeming Rangers supporters and it will be heartwarming to build on that.

    The former Giwa FC ace who bared his mind while x-raying Rangers’ chances  and the challenges of the new season, expressed confidence in the ability of Coach Gbenga Ogunbote to help the club post  an impressive run .

    “We are prepared for the new season, and we are determined to do well.  When we won the league last time our fans were very happy and it is our desire to make sure that they remain happy,” he enthused.

    On Ogunbote, Madu described the former Enyimba and Sunshine stars sweat merchant as a determined coach who treats players not just as partners in progress but attempts to play fatherly role of understanding the players better.

    “He is a good coach with lots of experience and we are optimistic that will be to the team’s advantage,” he said.

    Rangers have hit Uyo Saturday ahead of their opening season game against Akwa United. The Flying Antelopes finished 14th on the log last season, forcing the dissolution of the former management and setting up a new one charged with responsibility of returning the team to the top.

  • Continental Outing:    Sofoluwe sure of Plateau united

    Continental Outing:    Sofoluwe sure of Plateau united

     

    Former international Yisa sofuluwe has expressed hope that league champions Plateau united will rise to the occasion when CAF Champions league campaign begin. He noted that emerging champions has provided the Jos based side an opportunity to showcase their skills on the continent and further prove that they have what it takes to hold their own in the round leather game.  Being first timers he further said will no doubt ginger the Kennedy Boboye led side to leave their footsteps on the sand of history.

    “I watched a couple of their matches and I think they stand a good chance of making the nation proud at the CAF Champions league.  Emerging champions offers them an opportunity to earn more exposure at a higher level of competition,” he said in chat with The Nation Tuesday.

    The former Gateway of Abeokuta Assistant coach currently tinkering Futures Stars FC into shape, however warned the

    Nigerian flag bearers against taking rules of the game for granted as officiating at the continental level is taking very seriously.

    “It is common in our league to hear of poor officiating and unmerited points and clubs floating rules and going scot free but at the continental level a lot are at stake and you can’t afford to take anything for granted.

    So playing by the rules and maintaining discipline on and off the pitch are essential ingredients,” he added.

    Plateau United claimed the league title with just four points ahead of second place finishers MFM, earning 66 points in 38 matches.

    League defending champions Rangers international failed to re-claim the title finishing 13th on the log with 53 points in 38 matches.

  • Season challenge: Eguma sings lamentation songs

    Season challenge: Eguma sings lamentation songs

     

    The current Nigeria professional football league season has been a mixture of tooth ache and migraine for Garden City based side Rivers United.

    Coach of the side Stanley Eguma who revealed this after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of league defending champions

    Rangers international Monday at the Cathedral, frowned at the fixtures which he confessed has put a lot of pressure on his team.

    His lamentation is coming even as the side prepares to face Kano pillars next; in a tie some analysts say they are bound to lose successfully considering the busy bee approach to matches by the Kano based side.

    The stress of travels according to Eguma has also taken its toll on Rivers United whose continental campaign ended on a poor note following their early exit from the continental showpiece.

    Ït has not been easy, we have injury worries and fatigue has also set in.  The fixtures are not the best but we cannot do anything about it we just have to obey the rules of LMC even when it is not beneficial, “he regretted

    Rivers United are just a step above relegation zone with 41 points in 31 matches.

    Meanwhile Rangers coach Sylvanus Okpalla has urged his side not to  pomp champagne following  Monday’s victory over Rivers United noting that the Coal city side need a lot of catching up to do.  With just six matches left in the season Okpalla believes the Flying Antelopes should aspire to clinch the remaining points to improve standing on the log.

    Rangers occupy the 13th position on the log with 42 points in 32 matches. The remaining matches of the league will prove to be crucial for virtually all the teams as no fewer than seven of them have just two to three points separating them and every point will prove to be vital.

  • NPFL: Rangers defeats Rivers United 2-1 in match day 32

    NPFL: Rangers defeats Rivers United 2-1 in match day 32

    Rangers International of Enugu defeated Rivers United of Port Harcourt 2-1 in a rescheduled week 32 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match.

    The match, disrupted by rain in the 2oth minute on Sunday, was completed on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

    Rangers are placed 13th on the league table with 42 points.

    Ifeanyi George gave Rangers the lead in the 29th minute from Tope Olusesi’s assist.

    George made it 2-0 from the spot kick for Rangers after United`s  defender, Ifeanyi Nweke was adjudged by the center referee to have handled the ball inside the 18 yards box.

    Emeka Ogbugh pulled one back for the visitors in the 72nd minute.

    Okey Odita, Rangers captain, said the team was happy to get the three points.

    “I must tell you that, I am happy because the three points means a lot for us and we thank God for crowning our effort with a victory this morning.

    “I know that the visiting team will come out in the second half to play as they are two goals down.

    “They want to equalize because they are also trying to finish the season safe from relegation.

    “We were reminded by our coach on what to expect from Rivers Utd in the second half,’ Odita said.

    He assured the state government and the supporters that the players would not let them down in their fight to  survive.

  • We respect Antelopes but we don’t fear them-Tornadoes

    We respect Antelopes but we don’t fear them-Tornadoes

     

    League defending champions Rangers international will not be having a tea party file when they file out against Tornadoes at the Lokoja Township Stadium on Sunday.

    Andrew Evans Ikefe who gave the hint said although the Minna landlords currently based in Lokoja have a lot of respect for the Flying Antelopes, there is no atom of fear for the Coal City side, noting that when it comes to earning maximum points, there is no room for fear of any opponent.

    Ikefe who regretted the 3-1 defeat suffered in the hands of Wikki Tourist, said the loss means Tornadoes will need to double effort to sing victory song in Sunday’s clash against Rangers.

    “We need a win, we are an ambitious side and the target we gave ourselves must be met. Therefore we are training extra hard to get maximum points on Sunday, Rangers maybe be coming on a revenge mission but we are equal to the task.

    “Rangers have improved with time, we respect them but we are not afraid of them, and I am confident that we will carry the day”, said the former Katsina United ace

    Tornadoes had in the reverse fixture held Rangers to a 1-1 draw at the Cathedral.

    Going into Sunday’s game, Tornadoes are 8 on the log with 36 points while the Flying Antelopes are 14th on the log with 31 points.

    Apparently determined to go the extra mile, Ikefe has declared that he is ready to play in any position provided his efforts yields positive result for the team.

    Ikefe who has been marshalling the central defence of the Ikon Allah side along with his team mate Sunday Akinmoladun was made to play in the defensive midfield when his side lost 1-3 to Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Matchday 24.

    He said that playing in the midfield did not give him much problem because that was his position when he began his football career. He however revealed his preference for defensive role, submitting that it keeps him alert.

    “I prefer the defence role in football, it keeps me alert and I have to be very calculative on all the tackles and interceptions that I make.

    “The defence improves one’s alertness; therefore I love the defensive line more. But am ready to play anywhere the coach instructs me to play”, he stated.

  • Embattled Rangers crash out of Confederation cup

    Embattled Rangers crash out of Confederation cup

    Rangers international finally bid good bye to continental title pursuit after the Enugu based side lost 3-0 to Zesco United in the second leg of CAF Confederation cup play-off in Ndola on Saturday.  The flying Antelopes who have had to battle with realities of poor results in the Nigerian premier league equally had a poor run in the continent where they had initially crashed out of the CAF Champions league before booking another exit in the Confederation Cup.

    The coal city boys had played a 2-2 draw with Zesco at the Cathedral last week, a result which many had predicted signaled inevitable exit in the return leg, and true to predictions the side crashed out on 5-2 aggregate.  Indicators that Saturday’s match will end in defeat started in Nigeria when the players missed their flight insisting on being paid their travelling allowances which totaled $770 dollars (N293, 000) before boarding the Ethiopian Airlines flight to Ndola.

    The players had reasoned that the money owed them will not be paid if they accepted the please go and play and come back for your money plea from management.

    Prior to the Ndola trip Coach Imama  Amapakabo who had earlier been given a three match ultimatum had been sacked in controversial circumstances with the club management and state commissioner for Youth and  sports Charles Ndukwe singing discordant tunes over the sacking or non-sacking of the coach. While the club confirmed sacking the coach the commissioner on the hand released a statement denying Amapakabo had been sacked and subsequently issuing a query to  former club great and Team Manager Christian Chukwu.

    With continental pursuit now dusted and rested, the Flying Antelopes will be left with making effort to remain in the premier league at least to avoid making their premier league title win last season appear like a   fluke.