Enugu‘s Rangers International Football Club beat the Sunshine Stars of Akure 4-1 on Sunday in a Matchday 27 match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2020/2021.
In the game played at Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Ifeanyi Nweke scored for the home side in the fifth minute on a tame cross from Chiamaka Madu.
Israel Abia made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, while Godspower Aniefiok increased Rangers’ scoreline before the break.
Christian Nnaji made it 4-0 for the home side in the 47th minute.
Former Rangers player Ojukwu Ifeanyi reduced the visitors’ score in the 52nd minute when he converted a penalty.
Speaking after the game, Sunshine Stars coach Deji Ayeni was philosophical, saying “football is winning, shooting and losing”.
“Sometimes you’re right and sometimes you’re wrong. So losing to a big team like Rangers FC isn’t so bad.
“Overall it was not a bad performance and we are going home to work more on the players in the tactical area for the following games,” he said.
The coach was, however, optimistic that his side would beat Abia Warriors FC in their next game to reinforce their changes from escaping relegation at the end of the season.
“No team is unbeatable and my goal is to guide Sunshine FC to safety by the end of the season,” he said.
Rangers FC team manager Amobi Ezeaku said the Flying Antelopes played well and as instructed by technical advisor Salisu Yusuf.
He noted that his team’s first goal was the tonic that energized the players, adding that the team was ready for their next league games.
“We play each game as it goes and our next game against Aba’s Enyimba International FC will have its own tactics. I think we will get a positive result there.
“Technically, the Rangers are a scoring team and converting scoring chances as they arise.
“Today our players were able to create chances and convert them. It was a good thing for us going into the remaining games of the season, ”said Ezeaku. (NAN)