Rangers, Enyimba Faceoff In Potential NPFL Title Decider
The race for the 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League title will be the centre of attention again on Sunday (today) at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with leaders Enugu Rangers hosting second-placed Enyimba in an Oriental Derby and potential title decider.
Separated by just two points on the log, the match-day 35 encounter holds everything in deciding who wins the league, not just between the two giants, as Remo Stars, who are third in the table by goal difference, will be paying attention even while engrossed in battle with Lobi Stars in Lafia.
With 16 titles between them, Enugu Rangers (seven) and Enyimba (nine) are the most successful teams in the history of the league.
This season’s success will also define a remarkable journey for either side. Champions Enyimba are chasing a record-extending 10th title, while Rangers are looking to win their eighth and first title since 2016.
The reverse fixture in Aba ended 1-1, and Enugu Rangers indeed showed up in flying colours, thanks to Kareem Ogunleye’s stunner that cancelled out Chijioke Mbaoma’s goal for Enyimba.
Leading the charge for the Flying Antelopes is Fidelis Ilechkwu, a manager who has finished second in the league before with MFM and Plateau United.
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The ‘working one’ as he is fondly called might be hungry for league success, having not been in control on the previous two occasions, but he has played down their title ambitions at every opportunity to speak on the title race.
Still in control with a two-point lead, Ilechukwu, however, knows the value of a victory is against the reigning champions
“Enyimba cannot beat us on Sunday, and they understand that they can’t beat Rangers,” Ilechukwu said.
“Rangers are prepared, Rangers are too good defensively, Rangers have the quality, capacity, and all it takes to beat Enyimba, and we will work hard because Enyimba have the pedigree to win the league. We will work hard on Sunday to make sure we make this thing happen.”
In terms of pedigree, Enyimba’s current gaffer, Yemi Olanrewaju, who is in charge until the end of the season, doesn’t boast of the same as Ilechukwu, but having served as an assistant to Finidi George, he is also looking to use the game as a turning point to take charge of the title race.
“He is a great guy I have a lot of respect for, and nothing will change no matter the results in Enugu,” Olanrewaju said about Ilechukwu.
“But everyone has to defend his club and try to get the job done.”
The game kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and will be live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244. It follows the live broadcast of the game between Lobi Stars and Remo Stars in Lafia.
