Enugu: Rangers International FC of Enugu, on Sunday, thrashed visiting Enyimba International FC of Aba 2-1 in week 35 of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
The result worsened Enyimba’s relegation troubles. The match, played behind closed doors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, saw the two teams put on a lacklustre showing in the first stanza.
Rangers looked better but missed chances, ending the first half goalless. Early in the second half, Enyimba shocked their hosts as Wonah Williams scored in the 48th minute from outside the box.
The goal rattled the home side, who fought hard to pull an equaliser through defender Chiedozie Iwundu, who slotted the ball behind the goalkeeper, during a goalmouth scramble in the 61st minute.
Defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi made it 2-1 in the 68th minute, boosting Rangers’ title hopes. Enyimba pushed for an equaliser, but luck was not on their side.
In a post-match interview, Coach Emmanuel Deutsch conceded defeat, saying it was a derby, and the contest was expected.
“Rangers played well, likewise my team, but the better side won. They won, they won, and congratulations to them,” Deutsch said.
For Rangers’ Technical Adviser, Fidelis Illechukwu, playing behind closed doors affected his players’ psyche. “Not having our fans today impacted us, but we had no choice. It’s truly painful because our love for our fans runs deep. We are always hopeful of success in every game. We take the games as they come,” Illechukwu said.
Rangers were ordered to play behind closed doors as a punishment for the unruly behaviour of their fans in their last home match against Barau FC.
Sunday’s win returns the Rangers to the top of the league with 59 points after 35 games.
