The highly anticipated ‘Oriental Derby’ between Rangers International FC and Enyimba International FC is set to electrify the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu this Sunday, April 27, 2025, as part of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 35 action. Both teams, currently tied on 49 points, will engage in a crucial battle that could determine their final league standings.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rangers International FC, currently occupying the 6th spot on the league table, will be buoyed by their impressive 4-2 away victory over Lobi Stars. The ‘Flying Antelopes’ are determined to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare to face their arch-rivals. According to Isaac Saviour, Rangers’ leading scorer and midfield maestro, “We are focused on the game against Enyimba who are a big team by all standards. We are highly motivated and the team is going into this match with a positive mindset. Our target is to grab the three points at stake to ensure our supporters that will be coming out in their numbers go back home celebrating.”
The significance of this derby cannot be overstated, and Rangers’ winger, Silas Nenrot, is well aware of the stakes. “Any day, anytime, an encounter between the two top Oriental Rivals is always a top of the bill fixture,” he said. “From our last two matches against top sides like Insurance and Lobi Stars, we are going to increase the tempo against Enyimba to ensure we celebrate at the end of the match.”
Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, speaking on behalf of technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a positive result. “We are prepared as much as we can to push and get a positive result from the top of the bill fixture against Enyimba in Enugu,” he said. “No doubt, they will be coming with all in their arsenal but we have all it takes to contain them and get a good result that will enhance our ending the season on a positive note. We know that our fans both within and outside the country will be routing for us on Sunday and we promise to make them happy at the end of the match by God’s special grace.”
The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a goalless stalemate, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming encounter. With both teams evenly matched on points and boasting a desire to climb higher up the NPFL standings, Sunday’s derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans. Rangers will be looking to capitalize on their recent away win as the stage is set for a captivating clash between the two Oriental giants.