Perennial champions of Enugu state F.A Cup, Rangers International F.C, Wednesday, at the final match of the 2023 edition played at the Rangers Practice Pitch, defeated their opponents, Ingas F.C of New Haven with scores standing at 5-1.
Lining up what may be described as a very strong match day squad that had Uche John leading from the back with the midfield trio led by Saidu Adamu and Shedrack Asiegbu with Godwin Obaje leading the attack, coach Abdul Maikaba showed the tenacity that has been sought after since the start of the season with right-back, Chidera Ezeh opening the flood gates of goals with a sublime free kick from the edge of the box which nestled safely inside the opponent’s goal on 7 minutes.
On 15 minutes, defensive midfielder, Innocent Gabriel worked his way through a sea of tackling legs to stab home the second goal of the day for Rangers but the NLO side halved the deficit on 28 minutes when attacking sensation, Okorie Chiedozie expertly curled home a free kick from the edge of the box.
Chidiebere Nwobodo restored the two goals cushion on 57 minutes when he ran unto an inch perfect cross from Austin Onyemaechi to blast past the goalkeeper while Godwin Obaje grabbed a quick brace on 79 and 82 minutes to further punish the coach Kingsley Obiekwu (MON) tutored side.
At the end of the well contested fixture, Rangers coach, Abdul Maikaba said, “It was a good game against a determined side but our early goals destabilized them. I am happy with the performance of my players today especially with the harvest of goals and it is my belief that it will motivate the players going into the second round of the NPFL season starting with our rescheduled match with Rivers United.”
On his part, coach of the NLO side, Kingsley Obiekwu (MON), said, “I congratulate Rangers for this victory but it is my belief that we shall have a better outing at the national level.”
Chairman of Enugu state F.A, Hon. Barr. Anthony Ugwu described the final match as a perfect display of great football artistry by both sides and stated that it was his belief that both sides will make a great representation for the state when the national competition kicks off.
The final match attracted a huge crowd of spectators and critical stake holders that includes top club managers, match commissioners, referees and the Chief Operating Officer of the I.M.C, Prince Davidson Owumi.