Reigning Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International F.C, suffered a stunning 1-2 defeat to Niger Tornadoes F.C in a match day 20 fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Saturday.
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Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Flying Antelopes were unable to capitalize, allowing the visitors to snatch all three points.
Niger Tornadoes took the lead against the run of play in the 17th minute through Ismail Sarki’s clinical finish. However, Rangers equalized just two minutes later, courtesy of Ifeanyi Onyebuchi’s well-placed header from an Isaac Saviour’s corner kick.
The hosts continued to press for the winner, but a combination of poor finishing and brilliant goalkeeping from Joshua Enaholo denied them. Niger Tornadoes sealed the victory in the 65th minute, as Ifeanyi Okechukwu’s powerful shot from the edge of the box proved too much for Rangers goalkeeper, Kingdom Osayi.
Rangers were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, but substitute Okorie Chiedozie’s spot kick sailed over the crossbar, summing up the hosts’ frustrating afternoon.
Despite the setback, Rangers Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, remained optimistic about his team’s chances of ending the season on a positive note. “We created a lot of chances, but couldn’t utilize them. Our opponent got two chances and made use of them. I assure our supporters that at the end of the season, we shall be congratulated,” Ilechukwu said.
The defeat marks Rangers’ third home loss of the season, and they will look to bounce back when they travel to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors in a match day 21 fixture on January 29.
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