NPFL: Rangers International bounce back with victory over Lobi Stars

By Busayo Olowookere

Courtesy: Busayo Olowookere

It was celebration for fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intlernational defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.It was celebration mood for Enugu fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intl defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.

The Antelopes were forced to make use of the bench even before the first 45mins elapsed as Rasaq Adegbite had to leave the field with a slight injury after chasing a ball down the line.

On resumption of the second half, the Antelopes came out flying as Christian Madu's corner kick met Etim Matthew inside the box, who beat his opponent before shooting under the arm of goalkeeper Maliea Tekar to send the nervous fans into jubilation.

As the visitors searched for an equalizer,  it was Rangers intl who got of better of their attack as Etim Matthew's through ball met Godwin Aguda who only job was to round the goalkeeper before sloting into the empty net to make it two goals for Rangers.

Things got worst for the visiting side as lack of communication between Melia Tekar and Bunde Moses let  Rangers left back Alex Emenike floated across was headed home into his own net by Bunde Moses with the goalkeeper in no man's land to get the ball.

With time seeming to be off, Lobi stars finally got a consolation goal from a well pieces of ball work combination as Obaino shot pass Itodo Akor.

Speaking after the game, Lobi Stars coach Tenger expressed his disappointment, stating that no coach will accept the defeat and that loss of concentration.

Meanwhile coach Imama Amakapabo of Rangers intl opened up that he knew Lobi stars will play a compact team and he told his boys to calm down, send the ball on errand and it paid of.