SPORTS
NPFL: Enugu Rangers defeat
Rivers United to extend unbeaten record
Rangers
International FC of Enugu on Monday defeated visiting Rivers United FC of Port
Harcourt 1- 0 to wrap up their unbeaten home record in the ongoing Nigeria
Professional Football League (NPFL) Match-day 21.
Chidera Eze came to
the rescue of the Enugu-based side in the 85th minute from Michael Uchebo’s
assist in the tension-soaked encounter played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium,
Enugu.
Speaking in a
post-match interview with journalists, Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote said that
Rangers had no option than to professionally finish the league.
Ogunbote said, “We
lost to them in their home so we are condemned to beat them and Rangers is a
professional club.”
He expressed joy
over the victory, saying that the players were made to have two things in mind.
“The players knew
that we do not need to lose or even draw but to win and it’s better we leave it
late when they cannot fight back,” he said.
Ogunbote further
said that their attention was still focused on the Super Six in order to be
able to pick a ticket to the continental.
He thanked the fans
and the media for their objective and constructive criticism which, he said,
spurred him up to the challenge.
“It is the
criticism from the supporters and the media that made us seat up, especially
when it seemed that we were backsliding.
“This is a victory
for all of us, especially the supporters, who always stood solidly behind us
and I wish they will be there for us at the Super Six,” Ogunbote said.
Also, Rangers
captain, Godwin Aguda, expressed joy over the victory, saying that he had a
sleepless night when they lost 3-0 to Rivers United in the first leg.
“I am happy that we
took our own a pound of flesh from them and now, all attention shifts to super
six.
“We must finish a
good job we started in the super six because Rangers deserve continental
competitions next year.
“Our joy will only
be complete when we finish well at the super six and probably lift the trophy,”
Aguda said.
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