Technical Adviser of Enugu Rangers International FC, Gbenga Ogunbote, has re-assured the club’ numerous admirers of his resolve to take the team to the continent next season after his wards succumbed to a 2-0 loss in the hands of Akwa United FC as the 2017/2018 NPFL season kicked off at the weekend.
The vastly experienced gaffer gave these re-assuring words at the post match press conference in Uyo stressing that the loss instead of putting his team under pressure would spur them to action in coming fixtures.
“It is sad that we lost but we have to put the loss behind and quickly gather ourselves together and push for victories in other matches. Our set target of ending the season in an appreciable position is still intact. I assure our teaming supporters that we shall come out better after this loss,” stated coach Ogunbote.
He said further, “All we need to do is to make amends where necessary. No excuses but we have to remember that this is our first real challenge since I joined the team and some of the players are playing together for the first time competitively but I assure that before long, we shall get it right. The two goals were avoidable but that is football for you.”
Two long range efforts in both halves off the boots of former Enyimba midfielder, Kester Kelly on 39th minute and former Lobi Stars defender, Dennis Nya condemned the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to its first loss as the new season kicked off.
The quartet of Aniekeme Asuquo, Christopher Lolo, Cyril Olisema and Friday Ubong were a handful for Rangers’ backline in the early parts of the match but met stiff resistance in the heart of the defence as the pair of Shedrack Francis and Semiu Liadi stood their ground until the momentary loss of concentration gifted Kelly the opportunity for his effort just moments after Godwin Aguda missed a glaring chance at the other end.
Dennis Nya’ effort from over thirty yards on 65 minutes rested in the bottom corner despite efforts by Seidu Mutawakilu to stop it from going in as the visiting team and its over fifty man travelling supporters were stunned.
Stunned as they were, the duo substitutes of Ifabiyi Tayo and Ajani Ibrahim combining well with Abu Azeez went in search of goals and twice drew brilliant saves from Ojo Olorunleke on 75th minute when he bravely beat out Azeez’ well drilled effort for a corner kick and on 83 minutes when he tipped Ajani’ effort across the bar.
Rangers will next host Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, in a match day 2 fixture and fans are urged to turn up for the mid-week encounter slated to kickoff by 4.00 p.m.
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