2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 35: Rangers International FC talks tough ahead of the Nigeria's toughest Oriental derby clash against Enyimba International

Posted : 27 April 2025

The players and management of the defending champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Rangers International, have been talking tough ahead of their crunch Oriental derby against bitter rivals and nine-time league winners, Enyimba International FC.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as the Cathedral, will be the center of attraction, hosting arguably the toughest Oriental derby in the league between the old and the new order of football in Nigeria.

It promises to be a fireworks display because the defending champions, Rangers, will host Enyimba in what is arguably the headline clash of Match Day 35.

Last season’s edition had everything — on and off the pitch — and the tension remains high.

Rangers sit in sixth place, just four points off third-placed Ikorodu City. A win could push them closer to a continental slot. Enyimba, meanwhile, are far off the pace but would love nothing more than to spoil the party in Enugu.

The history, the rivalry, the pride — this derby rarely disappoints.

Speaking ahead of the match, Rangers forward Nenrot Silas urged the club’s supporters to come out in large numbers for the entertaining Oriental derby against Enyimba.

Silas stated that the players have worked extremely hard to secure maximum points in the game.

“The club’s supporters should come out and watch good football between Rangers and Enyimba on Sunday,” Silas told Naija Made.

“We have been training very hard as a team, and we are working to come together as a unit because Enugu is our home.

“It’s very important that we get back on our feet and make our fans happy again by securing maximum points in the game.”

Also, the Flying Antelopes’ General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, challenged his players to go all out for victory in the Oriental derby against Enyimba.

“No jokes, this is the greatest game I will ever play in my life as a player,” Ezeaku told the players in a short video posted by Nigerian Players Gallery.

“Sunday’s game will determine a lot of things for this team. The club has given you everything to achieve success in the game; all we need is to push to get what we want.”

Head to head: Enyimba International holds the bragging rights with three wins and two draws in the last five matches.

3 Dec 24: Enyimba 0 - 0 Enugu Rangers

20 Dec 23: Enyimba 1 - 1 Enugu Rangers

10 Apr 22: Enyimba 2 - 1 Enugu Rangers

26 Dec 21: Enugu Rangers 0 - 1 Enyimba

17 Jun 21: Enyimba 2 - 1 Enugu Rangers

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 35: Rangers International FC talks tough ahead of the Nigeria's toughest Oriental derby clash against Enyimba International

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