2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 36: Rangers International FC outplayed by Rivers United FC

Posted : 08 May 2025

The dethroned league champions, Rangers International, were left ruing a late first-half strike as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Rivers United in a pulsating Match Day 36 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.

The keenly contested fixture unfolded at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening, despite a waterlogged pitch caused by a heavy downpour preceding kickoff.

Samson Obi etched his name into the headlines, scoring the decisive goal with practically the last touch of the opening period.

The strike sent the home fans into a frenzy and ultimately secured all three points for the 'Pride of Rivers.'

Despite the challenging pitch conditions, both sides served up an engaging spectacle.

Rangers, under the guidance of Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, fielded a somewhat depleted squad, with only six players who featured in their recent President Federation Cup semi-final qualification starting the match.

Nevertheless, the likes of Bashir Usman, Silas Nenrot, and Frank Uwumiro spearheaded their attack, while young goalkeeper Divine Onuorah impressed with a composed performance between the posts.

As the first half drew to a close and both benches seemingly prepared for a goalless break, Samson Obi intervened.

The robust attacker unleashed a shot that found the back of the net, sending Rivers United into the halftime break with a crucial lead.

Rangers emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigor, and Coach Ekenedilichukwu responded by introducing a flurry of substitutions, bringing on Kingsley Maduforo, Chimobi Igwilo, Timothy Atamamwan, Amobi Ezeaku, and Uchebo Okechukwu in a bid to restore parity.

However, their efforts were met with resilience from the Rivers United defense, who held firm to protect their slender advantage.

Reflecting on the match, Coach Ekenedilichukwu acknowledged the competitive nature of the encounter.

"It was a good game that we came prepared to get a good result, but the momentary loss in concentration from my team gave our opponent the edge.

“We move on and continue working on the lapses noticed in this match," he stated in his post-match briefing.

The defeat sees Rangers remain in 9th position on the NPFL table, amassing 49 points from their 36 matches played.

The 'Flying Antelopes' will now turn their attention to their next league fixture, a home clash against Katsina United, scheduled for this weekend at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 36: Rangers International FC outplayed by Rivers United FC

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