Tag: RANGERS

Enugu Rangers’ captain Ugwueze Chinemerem has admonished his teammates to take the second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round clash against US Zilimadjou of Comoros more seriously than they did in the first leg. 

Ugwueze who admitted that the game didn’t totally go has planned was delighted they could eke out a win but he said US Zilimadjou would still feel they have a chance because of the slim win hence his clarion call for the Flying Antelopes to more than double their effort again on Friday in Uyo in the return leg.

Rangers International FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over their Comoros opponents, who like the Flying Antelopes chose the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo as their home ground for the match.

A first-half goal from Uwumiro Frank was the difference in the match, giving the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions a slim advantage in the first leg tie where Rangers were deemed to be playing away.

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While Ugwueze praised his team for their solid performance, he emphasized the need for improvement and expressed confidence in their chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.

 “The game did not go as planned, but the win is crucial for us. With this result, we are in a good position to progress to the next round, but there is still work to be done before the return leg,” Ugwueze stated.

 “The game is over, and by the grace of God, it ended in our favour. It was a vital win.”

The return leg will be held at the same venue on Friday, with Rangers hosting the match this term , as their home ground, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, did not meet CAF’s requirements.

Four of Nigeria’s football clubs, Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars, Enyimba, and El-Kanemi Warriors, have received a financial boost as each club will be awarded $50,000 (about 80 million naira) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Soccernet. ng reports.

This sum serves as participation fees for the preliminary stages of the 2024-2025 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars are flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League, following their impressive performances as champions and runners-up of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Meanwhile, Enyimba, who secured third place in the NPFL, and El-Kanemi Warriors, the President Federation Cup winners, will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The preliminary rounds are already underway, and the financial stakes will rise significantly as clubs progress through the competition stages.

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Nigerian clubs have the potential to earn up to $400,000 in the Confederation Cup and $700,000 in the Champions League if they reach the group stages.

The ultimate prize stands at $4 million for the CAF Champions League winner and $2 million for the Confederation Cup champion.

El-Kanemi Warriors will kick off Nigeria’s campaign when they face Dadje FC of Benin Republic at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday.

Enyimba will join the fray in the second round of the Confederation Cup. Enugu Rangers are set to battle US Zilimadjou of Comoros at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday, while Remo Stars will renew their rivalry with AS FAR Rabat of Morocco.

Rangers International handler, Fidelis Ilechukwu is excited  that the Flying Antelopes would be facing Comoros’ U.S Zilimadjou  twice at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in their CAF Champions League Preliminary Round ties. 

The Comoros’ champions has adopted Uyo as their home ground since  their stadium in Moroni was considered unfit  by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Yet Ilechukwu posited that they won’t be carried away by the gesture of the Comoros side to play both legs in Nigeria while insisting that his boys would be ready for the game despite the technical advantage they have with both games to be played in Uyo.

Incidentally, 

Rangers also will not also have the luxury of playing the return leg before their fans in Enugu’s iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

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“To me playing both legs in Nigeria is an advantage for us. It is going to reduce stress and it will make us to get settled as soon as possible. Uyo is not our natural home but everywhere is home for us. As a coach of the team we believe that we can play at anywhere and any place at any time and also get result. We have prepared very well for the games knowing that it is a very important game for us. We are ready,” Ilechukwu told the club’s media. “We have started the team preparations. We want to make sure the players understand the team philosophy and methodology and get it right within a short frame of time.”

He added:“We are working tirelessly to make sure we get it right this time around. We are getting better in the past two weeks. 

“We have lost some very important players in the team and we want to rebuild again. I know it is not going to be easy because it is hard to get the players with such fantastic understanding within a short period of time like the ones that departed.”

U.S Zilimadjou of Comoros will host Rangers first on Sunday in Uyo before the second leg tie a week later at the same venue. 

Rangers International FC head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has asked for the fans  to be patient with the team as the Flying Antelopes continue  their  rebuilding process ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The reigning Nigeria League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Sierra Leone side, FC Kallon in the second match of the 2024 Coal City International  Cup pre-season tournament at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Sunday.

Garando Tekena had shot the Flying Antelopes into a 10th-minute lead with a follow-up fiercely struck left-footed shot from about twenty-five meters after Isaac Caulker, the goalkeeper for F.C Kallon had bravely stopped his first attempt from a free kick.

Momoh Dumbuya got the leveller for his side in a swift counter-attack that saw Fofanah slide the ball past a hesitant backline of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ for Dumbuya to slide past on rushing, Lucky Abdullahi, who stood between the sticks for Rangers on 50 minutes.

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Ilechukwu in his post-match presser insisted that Rangers would get it right and that he is using the preseason games to test the new players and also to perfect strategies ahead of their campaign in the CAF Champions League and other competitions.

“It was not a bad game for both sides. F.C. Kallon was a very physical side but we showed good character, especially in the second half, and having so many new players in my team as well as the understanding of the team is what matters to me,” Ilechukwu said.

“Our fans should not panic about the result because it is a preseason game. If we don’t use the preseason game to assess the team’s cohesion, technical, and tactical abilities, it may not be possible during the season proper. I assure our fans that we shall achieve all we want in the season because we have what it takes to do so.”

Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu , has stated that he would use the Coal City International Cup to start the Flying Antelopes’ re-building process ahead of the 2024/2025 football season.

The 2024 NPFL title winning coach said that he will utilise the 042 Coal City International  Cup to kick start his re-building process in the team.

The pre-season tournament that would have teams from Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Brazil and top teams from the NPFL, do soccer battle for the ultimate prize of fifty million naira with each participant earning an appearance fee of five million naira in every match played.

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He said:  “It is a good thing to have such quality teams in a preseason tournament and it will to a very large extent, help us monitor the players that we have registered for both the continent and domestic challenges.

“Like I have been saying, we are re-building as the structure we had earlier set up has been shaken a bit and we have some new talents that need to be blooded into our playing philosophy. I believe that we shall get good results from the preseason games.”

The Flying Antelopes will begin their continental challenge which starts in the middle of August 2024 with a preliminary round fixture against Comoros Islands side, U.S. Zilimadjou.

NPFL 2023/2024 champions and CAF Champions League 2024/2025 campaigners, Rangers International F.C

In its bid to make a successful defense of its title and challenge for the continental top honours,  Rangers International has secured the signatures of teenage defensive midfielder Somtochukwu Nwobodo  who last featured for Enugu State league finalist, F.C Inter of Enugu.

Nwobodo, whose presence was always felt in the middle of the pack for the state league side both in the Enugu state F.A cup and the 2024 Enugu State League, put pen to paper to help defend the badge of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ yesterday at the corporate office of the club and was later unveiled.

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 “This is a big opportunity that I have been waiting for, and I will do my best to convince the coaches to give me playing time in the star-studded team that is being put together to defend the domestic league and excel on the continent,” he said.“I thank my coaches and teammates at F.C Inter for making me a better player to be spotted by a big side like Rangers.”

Rangers CEO, Amobi Ezeaku, said of the latest acquisition: “Just as it is in the club’s philosophy, this is another great signing for us and it goes a long way to encourage young talents that abound the nook and crannies of the state to keep working hard for opportunities to join Rangers and showcase their God-given talents. The scouting team has followed Somtochukwu and coaches over time and, has shown he has what it takes to make it at the big stage.”

In a related development,  Rangers have announced signing of  Garando Tekena and Anayor Ogbonna to add quality to the team’s rich squad for next season.

Tekena, a midfield maestro joins from Bayelsa United while attacking sensation, Anayor Ogbonna is joining from relegated, Gombe United.

• Enyimba, Remo Stars grab continental tickets

• Sporting Lagos relegated 

Enugu Rangers  were  yesterday crowned Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions in style after they beat hosts Gombe United 2-1 to finish top of the standings on 70 points from 38 matches.

Rangers will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.

Kazeem Ogunleye put Rangers ahead in Jos after just three minutes.

Godwin Obaje then scored his 12th  goal of the season in the seventh minute for ‘The Flying Antelopes’ to stay ahead 2-0.

Anas Hassan then pulled a goal back for already relegated Gombe United on 25 minutes.

Rangers  are expected  back  in Enugu  today on a chartered flight before they embark on a trophy parade at Okpara Square later that day.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars and Enyimba will represent Nigeria on the continent after both teams won their final games of the season today.

Remo Stars beat visiting Katsina United 2-1 to finish as runners-up on 65 points, five points adrift of champions Enugu Rangers.

They will play in the CAF Champions League along with Rangers.

Last season champions Enyimba stopped Plateau United 2-0 at home to finish third on 63 points and they will feature in the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup.

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Meanwhile, Sporting Lagos  suffered  relegation  after they  were undone by a 1-0 defeat away to Shooting Stars in Ibadan

The Noisy Lagosians dropped to the second tier Nigeria National League (NNL)  with  Doma United to the who were held to a 1-1 draw by President Federation Cup finalist, Abia Warriors at the Pantami Stadium. 

In a related development, Enyimba striker Chijioke Mbaoma has won the Eunisell Boot as the top scorer in the NPFL for the 2023/24 season.

He succeeds another Enyimba striker, Emeka Obioma, who was top scorer last season

Mbaoma netted his 17th  goal of the season in  yesterday’s final game against Plateau United in Aba while Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars netted 15 goals

NPFL RESULTS 

Gombe United 1-2 Rangers

Kano Pillars 3-2 Lobi Stars 

Shooting Stars  1-0 Sporting Lagos

Doma United 1-1 Abia Warriors 

Enyimba FC 2-0 Plateau United

Kwara United 4-0 Heartland 

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Sunshine Stars 

Insurance 0-2 Bayelsa United 

Akwa United 3-1 Rivers United 

Remo Stars 2-1 Katsina United 

Rangers International FC of Enugu have emerged as the champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season with a game to spare following their 2-0 home win over Bendel Insurance in a Matchday 37 tie played in Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes won the coveted trophy yesterday after goals from Augustine Kenechukwu and Chidiebere Nwobodo in the 33rd  and 65th  minutes ensured they cannot be overtaken by other teams in the race for the league title.

The match was watched by the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah whose support has been massive for the team.

Prior to their penultimate game of the season, Rangers  needed a win and a draw in last two matches to take home the trophy for the second time in eight years irrespective of other results but following results from other centres which went in their favour, they have been crowned champions with a game to the end of the league season.

Rangers currently top the league table with 67 points from 37 matches while their closest rival, Remo Stars have 62 points from same number of games.

The league triumph has put Rangers just a league title behind Oriental Brothers, Enyimba with their eighth league trophy. Enyimba got their ninth title last season and are the most successful club in the country

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By the virtue of their victory, Rangers will represent the NPFL at the 2024-25 CAF Champions League.

Rangers last played continental match in the 2019- 20 season where they crashed out in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

In the other games played, Bayelsa United brightened their topflight retention hope with a late 2-1 home win over Shooting Stars who played most part of the game with 10 players following the red card given to Adeleye Aniyikaye in the 26th  minute.

In Lagos, Sporting Lagos rekindled their faint hope of remaining in the elite division beyond this season following a 2-1 home win over Enyimba. 

Sporting Lagos are 17th  on the log with 46 points and must secure an away win in Ibadan against Shooting Stars on Sunday while also praying results from other centres go in their favour. 

Sunshine Stars kept their topflight status for another season after a 2-1 home win over Remo Stars. It was their first win over the Sky Blue Stars in the league. Nwosu Chinadu’s double in the 60th  and 80th  minutes helped the Owena Whales to the three points. Ahmed Akinyele’s 72nd  minute strike from the spot did level up the game momentarily for Remo Stars.

The Owena Whales have confirmed their topflight with 49 points while Remo Stars remain in second spot with 62 points.

Abia Warriors defeated Akwa United 2-0 through Sunday Megwo’s double to keep Abia Warriors topflight status with 51 points from 37 games. The Promise Keepers must beat Rivers United in Uyo on Sunday to preserve their place in the elite division.

In the earlier game played: Rivers United thrashed Gombe United 6-0, Heartland FC pipped Niger Tornadoes; Plateau United and Kano Pillars played out a 1-1 draw; Katsina United defeated Doma United 2-0 while Lobi Stars edged Kwara United 4-3 in a seven goal thriller.

NPFL Matchday 37 Results:

Heartland   1-0  Niger Tornadoes

Katsina United  2-0  Doma United

Lobi Stars  4-3  Kwara United

Plateau United  1-1  Kano Pillars

Rivers United  6-0  Gombe United

Bayelsa United  2-1  Shooting Stars

Abia Warriors  2-0  Akwa United

Enugu Rangers  2-0  Bendel Insurance

Sunshine Stars  2-1  Remo Stars

Sporting Lagos  2-1  Enyimba FC

The upcoming Oriental Derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba has taken on even greater significance, as Remo Stars lie in wait, hoping to capitalise on any slip-up by the two frontrunners.

With Rangers leading the table with 61 points and both Enyimba and Remo Stars tied on 59 points, a draw in the derby could propel Remo Stars to the top, provided they secure a victory in their away match against Lobi Stars.

Both games will air live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes on Sunday, June 9.

Remo Stars have been a formidable force this season, demonstrating their title credentials with consistent performances at home. They currently sit in third place due to an inferior goal difference compared to second-placed Enyimba, but their away from lacks a glimmer of hope. They have only won two away games, Enyimba and Bayelsa United, drew four and lost eleven away games this season.   

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For Remo Stars to claim the title, a specific set of circumstances needs to unfold. Firstly, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba must play out a draw, ensuring neither team gains an advantage. Secondly, Remo Stars need to win their match against Lobi Stars by a significant margin of seven goals to surpass Rangers’ goal difference and secure the top spot.

A historical opportunity beckons. Remo Stars’ coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, fuelled by the team’s consistent improvement over the past two seasons, believes this could be their year to clinch the elusive NPFL title. Finishing third two seasons ago and second last season, the team has shown steady progress, and the coach sees this as their golden opportunity to reach the summit of Nigerian football finally.

It will be a weekend of high stakes and endless possibilities.

The Enugu Rangers vs Enyimba Oriental Derby holds the key to the championship race, with Remo Stars eagerly anticipating the outcome.

The fate of the title hangs in the balance, and this weekend promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike. Both games will air live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes on Sunday, June 9.