2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 5 Rescheduled Review: Rangers Int’l FC Spank Abia Warriors

Posted : 09 October 2025

Eight-time Nigerian league champions, Rangers International FC, showcased their title ambitions by securing a crucial three points in a rescheduled 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture, defeating Abia Warriors 2–0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The Flying Antelopes did all the damage in a dominant first half, finding the net twice to humble the Umuahia-based side, who are still recovering from their recent exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rangers opened the scoring in the 17th minute when defensive ace Iwundu Chidozie rose majestically inside the box to head home a perfect cross from marauding left-back Evans Ogbonda.

The partnership between Ogbonda and the attackers proved decisive again 16 minutes later when the former junior international delivered another precise cross that veteran striker Godwin Obaje, the “fox in the box,” expertly converted to double the lead in the 33rd minute.

Under the tactical direction of Chief Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu—standing in for head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who is currently away on national duty with the Super Eagles—Rangers adopted a sharp 4-3-3 formation. The attacking trio of Obaje, Waheed Adebayo, and captain Chidiebere Nwobodo kept the Abia Warriors’ defense under constant pressure throughout the match.

Despite several second-half attempts to increase the scoreline, Abia Warriors held firm defensively to prevent further damage. However, the day belonged to the hosts, with midfield maestro Ugochukwu Ugwuoke delivering a standout performance. His crisp passes, vision, and deft touches drew rounds of applause from the appreciative home crowd.

Speaking after the match, Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu expressed delight over the result:

“It was a great game and a good win for us as we continue our push for a respectable finish in the league. Abia Warriors gave us a tough game, but we had our plans set out from the start and approached the game positively. We move on to the next match with confidence.”

The victory lifts Rangers International FC to 5th place on the NPFL table with 11 points from seven matches.

Their attention now turns to a challenging away fixture on Sunday, October 12, as they travel to the Lafia City Stadium to face table-topping Nasarawa United in a Matchday 8 showdown.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 5 Rescheduled Review: Rangers Int’l FC Spank Abia Warriors

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