2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33: Flying Antelopes fire blanks despite dominance, climb to top

Posted : 06 April 2026

For all their attacking flair and reputation as the league’s most prolific side, Rangers International delivered a frustrating reminder that dominance without precision counts for little, as they were held to a goalless draw by Barau FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

This was a game that followed a familiar script: one-way traffic, waves of pressure, and a catalogue of missed chances; but it ended with Rangers walking away wondering how three points slipped through their grasp.

From the outset, the Flying Antelopes imposed themselves. Their intent was clear, their movement sharp, and their control unquestioned.

Yet, the cutting edge that has defined their campaign deserted them when it mattered most. Kennechukwu Agu set the early tone with an ambitious long-range volley that failed to trouble the target, a sign of things to come.

The moment that best summed up Rangers’ afternoon arrived when Chidozie Iwundu thought he had finally broken the deadlock with a powerful header from a corner.

Celebrations were cut short, however, as referee Bawu Buhari controversially ruled out the effort, leaving the hosts and their supporters in disbelief.

Rather than deflate them, the decision only intensified Rangers’ urgency. Emmanuel Essien came closest soon after, winning possession high up the pitch before unleashing a strike that cannoned off the post. It was a warning Barau could not ignore but also one they survived.

Barau’s resistance owed much to goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha, whose performance proved decisive. He produced a series of crucial saves, notably denying Waheed Adebayo from close range, while also standing firm under relentless pressure that left his defence constantly exposed.

Rangers, however, were equally culpable for their own frustrations as Adebayo endured a particularly wasteful outing, missing from point-blank range after being picked out by Kenneth Igboke, before sending a lofted effort narrowly over. The chances kept coming, but composure deserted them at every turn.

Even when efforts were on target, Chiaha stood tall. Wisdom Ebirim’s fierce drive forced a remarkable save from the Barau shot-stopper, one that briefly left him in discomfort but ultimately preserved his clean sheet.

The second half offered little reprieve for the visitors, who struggled to mount any meaningful attacking threat deep into the contest.

Rangers continued to probe, with Oputa testing from a distance and Igboke remaining a constant outlet, but the final pass or finish consistently fell short.

Late substitutions injected fresh urgency, with Chimobi Igwilo adding pace and width down the flank.

His delivery presented Iwundu with one final opportunity, but the header drifted wide—an ending that perfectly encapsulated Rangers’ afternoon.

In the end, Barau’s resilience earned them a valuable point, while Rangers were left to rue their inefficiency in front of goal.

Still, the stalemate was enough to lift the Flying Antelopes to the top of the table on 55 points, underlining the strength of their overall campaign—even on an off day.

Attention now turns to a tricky away fixture against Niger Tornadoes in Minna, where Rangers will seek to rediscover their scoring touch. Barau, buoyed by their defensive discipline, return home to face Remo Stars with renewed confidence.

The result highlights the unpredictable nature of the title race as the season enters its final stages. While Rangers will be pleased to sit at the summit, their inability to convert chances remains a concern that must be addressed to maintain their lead.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33: Flying Antelopes fire blanks despite dominance, climb to top

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