Nwobodo’s Last-Gasp Stunner Denies Barau Victory as Rangers Fight Back in Kano

Posted : 12 October 2026

Rangers International demonstrated their resilience by snatching a dramatic 2-2 draw against Barau FC, with captain Chidiebere Nwobodo delivering a stunning late equaliser in their 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day Eight encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The Flying Antelopes appeared destined for defeat after two second-half penalties turned the contest in Barau’s favour, but Nwobodo’s brilliant strike from outside the box ensured the visitors left Kano with a point.

The Rangers captain curled home in the dying moments, silencing the home crowd, some of whom had already begun leaving the stadium, and capping a pulsating encounter marked by missed chances, outstanding goalkeeping, and contentious officiating decisions.

Barau began aggressively, exploiting spaces in the Rangers defence as they searched for an early breakthrough. Atule had the first major opportunity within eight minutes but failed to beat goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh in a one-on-one situation.

The forward continued to trouble the visitors, setting up a teammate for an effort that Jimoh saved before forcing the Rangers goalkeeper into another impressive close-range stop. He later squandered another opportunity after latching onto a long ball on the counterattack.

Rangers gradually settled into the contest, seeking to impose themselves through controlled possession and combination play. An Oputa free-kick tested Barau goalkeeper Chiom Chia, who pushed the effort behind for a corner, while the subsequent attack also failed to produce a goal.

Chinemerem Anthony later threatened with a penetrating run into the penalty area, but he could not get his shot away before Chia gathered the ball.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move involving Chinemerem and Abolade Akorode. The ball reached Okechukwu Ifeanyi, who finished clinically to give Rangers the lead.

Ifeanyi nearly doubled the advantage after receiving a long pass from Chidozie Iwundu. He dribbled past Nura Ibrahim and Orji Kalu before being brought down by Bura inside the penalty area, but the referee dismissed Rangers’ appeals for a spot-kick.

Barau responded with renewed attacking pressure before the break. Sunday Anthony forced Jimoh into a fine save with a curling effort in the 44th minute, while Suur Kumaga’s free-kick shortly afterwards was comfortably gathered by the Rangers goalkeeper.

Jimoh produced another important intervention in stoppage time, denying Barau after Stanley Oganbor redirected a corner towards goal to preserve Rangers’ first-half advantage.

The hosts returned with greater urgency after the restart, as Atule tested Jimoh from inside the box. Sugau Aliyu subsequently delivered a dangerous cross across the goalmouth, while Ahmadu Liman fired wide as Barau intensified their search for an equaliser.

Rangers also had opportunities to extend their lead. Akorode worked his way into the penalty area, but Chia made an excellent save, and the visitors failed to capitalise on the rebound.

The contest changed dramatically when referee Bashiru awarded Barau a penalty following a collision between a home forward and Jimoh during a one-on-one situation. Rangers players protested the decision, but Atule converted from the spot to restore parity.

The visitors were further aggrieved when the referee awarded Barau another penalty for handball. Sugau Aliyu made no mistake from 12 yards, putting the hosts 2-1 ahead and leaving Rangers facing the prospect of defeat.

Rangers pushed desperately for a response, but substitute Igwe Pius sent a powerful long-range attempt over the crossbar.

Precious Agu then missed a significant opportunity to level the scores after Philip Clement’s cross was not properly cleared inside the penalty area, with the forward blazing his effort over.

However, the visitors refused to surrender. With the match seemingly beyond their reach, Nwobodo stepped forward to produce the decisive moment, curling an exquisite effort from outside the penalty area into the net to make it 2-2.

The late strike rescued Rangers from defeat and underlined their fighting spirit, while leaving Barau to reflect on how a commanding position slipped away in the closing moments.

For Rangers, Nwobodo’s intervention proved the difference between leaving Kano empty-handed and securing a valuable point in a fiercely contested Match Day Eight fixture.

Nwobodo’s Last-Gasp Stunner Denies Barau Victory as Rangers Fight Back in Kano

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