Rangers International defeated Bendel Insurance FC 2-1 on a Match Day 37 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), behind closed doors to stay top, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Enugu State.
The home side dominated proceedings from the opening whistle as Bendel Insurance absorbed sustained pressure from Rangers, until the 18th minute when veteran striker Godwin Obaje scored from a well-taken free kick outside the 18-yard box.
Rangers continued to dominate possession but failed to extend their lead due to poor finishing. The visitors, however, stunned the home side in the 42nd minute when Alex Oweilaiyefa scored directly from a free kick, to level scores at 1-1.
In the second half, Rangers increased the tempo and were rewarded when captain Chidiebere Nwobodo was fouled inside the penalty area. Obaje converted the spot kick to complete his brace and take his tally for the season to 14 league goals.
Bendel Insurance looked for a way back into the encounter, but Rangers defended well to close out the game. The victory kept Rangers at the top of the NPFL table with 64 points ahead of the final game of the season.
Speaking after the match, Rangers Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, described the encounter as one of his side’s poorest performances this season.
“I thank God we won, but it is one of our worst games of the season,” Ilechukwu said. “It is one of those things that happen in football.”
Rangers International will now play its final league game against Ikorodu City in Lagos. Ilechukwu said it would be a difficult encounter.
“It is going to be a difficult game, but we will see how it plays out,” he stressed.
Match Day 37 NPFL results
Shooting Stars 1-0 Barau FC
El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba FC
Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United
Rangers International 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Katsina United 4-1 Ikorodu City
Wikki Tourist 2-3 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 0-2 Kun Khalifat FC
Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves
Nasarawa United 1-0 Plateau United.
