Rangers International and Rivers United played out a goalless draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League ( NPFL) Matchday 20 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Both sides began cautiously, feeling their way into the contest without creating clear openings. The first real chance arrived in the 11th minute when Rangers put together a slick team move involving Godwin Obaje and Kenechukwu Agu. The midfielder switched play to the right for Oputa Chibueze, whose floated cross was met by Obaje, but Rivers United goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya gathered comfortably.
The Flying Antelopes grew in confidence and continued to press. Chimobi Igwilo recovered a loose ball outside the Rivers United penalty area and teed up captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, whose first-time effort from a tight angle was again saved by Onisodumeya. Agu later tried his luck from long range, but his effort flew well off target as Rangers maintained the initiative.
Rivers United fashioned their first opening in the 19th minute after Ikechukwu Mgbemena miscontrolled the ball on the edge of the box, allowing Maclyn Biokpo a sight of goal. His half-volley, however, missed the target. Babatunde Bello then registered United’s first shot on target, curling an effort from the edge of the area following a neat lay-off by Seyi Oguntayo.
The game opened up as the half progressed. Agu blazed a 30-yard free-kick over the bar on the half-hour mark, while Rangers came closest before the break in the 41st minute when Igwilo was played through on goal, only for Onisodumeya to make himself big and deny the winger.
Rangers resumed the second half on the front foot. Nwobodo’s cross found Obaje at a tight angle, but the striker was unable to beat the Rivers United goalkeeper.
Moments later, Oputa danced down the right and combined again with Nwobodo before squaring for Emmanuel Essine, who set up Agu. His effort from just outside the box was comfortably saved.
Chief coach Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh introduced Wisdom Ebirim and Evans Ogbonda for Igwilo and Agu as Rangers sought a breakthrough. Ogbonda nearly made an immediate impact with a teasing free-kick from the left that flashed across the face of goal without a touch.
Rivers United almost capitalised on a late defensive error when Rangers goalkeeper Abine George rushed out of his area to head clear, only for the ball to fall to Biokpo.
His long-range attempt beat the keeper but drifted narrowly wide. Rangers had a final chance in the 83rd minute, Mgbemena glancing a header from a long throw, but Onisodumeya again saved with ease.
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Despite late pressure from the hosts, the match ended scoreless. Rivers United, coached by Finidi George, extended their unbeaten run to 3 matches and remain top of the NPFL table with 38 points.
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Eight-time champions Rangers stay sixth on 30 points and will travel to Owerri next for a Matchday 21 encounter with Kun Khalifat.
Results elsewhere (Matchday 20):
Barau 2–1 Tornadoes
3SC 3–0 Enyimba
Remo Stars 1–0 Ikorodu City
Abia Warriors 1–1 Plateau United
Kwara United 0–1 Bendel Insurance
Wikki 0–1 Wolves
Nasarawa United 0–1 Kano Pillars
El-Kanemi 1–0 Bayelsa United
