Rangers, Heartland clash in Oriental derby
Oriental rivals, Rangers International FC of Enugu and Heartland of Owerri will slug it out at the Awka Township stadium in Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day seven.
The fixture is the oldest oriental derby in the league’s history with 12 league titles won between both sides and the two teams will be all out to win this game to claim the bragging rights.
Rangers International FC Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has promised the club’s numerous fans that his team will overcome visiting Heartland of Owerri.
This is contained a statement from Rangers Media Officer Norbert Okolie, made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The statement quoted the coach saying: “We are fully prepared for this encounter and will do everything possible technically, and tactically to win our game against Heartland.”
Ilechukwu, who had handled the Owerri side some years back, said that match was important for his team as they were like a wounded lion after the loss to Lobi Stars.
“I know Heartland very well as their former coach and I expect them to come fighting, especially with their position on the log but I have only one task to deliver on the pitch.
“My duty is to ensure that Rangers get the deserved win in the match and there is no emotional attachment to this match.
“Where we are on the log, is not comfortable and we want to win to better our chances of realising our set target this season,” Ilechukwu said.
Also, the club captain Chukwudi Nwaodu was optimistic that Heartland would fall in Awka but acknowledged that the match would be tough.
Also Read: Rangers signs 3-year kit deal with Afrinvest
He said, “for me and my teammates, we are going to give our best to ensure that we make our fans proud after the encounter against Heartland.
“No doubt, Heartland is a great side, but we are not giving anything away to regain our top spot going forward.
“We have this winning mentality and we want to win and by God’s grace, we are going to carry the day.
“I am excited going into this fixture, knowing that I once led Heartland but now, I am leading Rangers and will do everything to defend the Rangers badge well on match day,” Nwaodu said.
Rangers International occupy third position in the NPFL log, with 10 points while Heartland FC of Owerri occupy the bottom of the league with four points
Heartland is yet to get into the momentum that saw them gain promotion last season to the top-flight league in grand style. The Naze Millionaires gained promotion to the NPFL unbeaten.
Christian Obi’s side is rocked bottom on the log with just four points and are without a victory. They are the only team in the NPFL without a win so far this season.
Other fixtures will see Shooting Stars host Niger Tornadoes, Abia Warriors face Katsina United while Enyimba battle Kwara United. Rivers will also host Sunshine in a bid to record their third win of the campaign.
