Rangers International strengthened their push for the Nigeria Premier Football League title with a composed 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United on matchday 36.
The Flying Antelopes combined resilience with decisive finishing at key moments, overcoming early pressure and missed chances to claim all three points on the road.
Rangers showed early attacking intent when Chidozie Iwundu reacted quickest to a long throw that Bayelsa failed to clear, but his effort sailed over the bar. At the other end, Stephen Wisdom attempted an ambitious strike from 30 yards, which flew well off target.
The visitors gradually found their rhythm. In the 17th minute, Godwin Obaje produced Rangers’ first shot on target, forcing Bayelsa goalkeeper Andy Clinton into a sharp save from distance.
Moments later, Oputa Chibueze delivered a teasing free-kick from the left, with the ball dropping kindly for Obaje, who squandered the opportunity with an uncharacteristic miss.
Rangers persistence paid off in the 31st minute. Daniel Eni controlled a long ball superbly and unleashed a volley that Clinton parried.
The rebound fell invitingly, and Chidiebere Nwobodo reacted quickest to slot home from close range and give the visitors the lead.
Bayelsa responded with urgency. Captain Emo James weaved past Iwundu before firing over the bar, while Yusuf Issa’s well-struck free-kick was denied by Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh late in the first half.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, with Ettah Ikoi seeing a goal-bound effort blocked during an early surge. Ubong Williams also tested Jimoh from range, but the Rangers shot-stopper stood firm.
Rangers struggled to create clear openings after the restart, with Obaje heading wide from Ifeanyi Assurance’s cross in their first meaningful second-half attempt. Bayelsa’s Jawad Mustapha also fired off target as the game opened up.
Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu reshuffled his side, introducing Ibrahim Yusuf for Daniel Eni and Pius Igwe for Wisdom Ebirim to regain control
Despite that Bayelsa continued pressure, including another missed header from Emo James, Rangers delivered the decisive blow late on. Ibrahim Yusuf provided a precise cross that Obaje finished clinically to double the advantage and effectively end the contest.
The goal visibly deflated the home crowd, with Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe and Sports Commissioner Daniel Igali among those seen leaving in disappointment.
The victory moves Rangers to 62 points, placing the eight-time NPFL champions firmly on course for a record-equalling ninth league title. They now hold a narrow one-point lead over Rivers United with two matches remaining.
Rangers will next host Bendel Insurance before concluding their campaign away to Ikorodu City, with the title race finely poised.
