Rangers International strengthened their position at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after Victor Chimezie’s first half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 12 encounter at the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday.
Chimezie scored five minutes before half time to settle a closely contested meeting, giving the defending champions another important three points as they continued their push to retain the league title.
The victory takes Rangers to 24 points from 11 matches, extending their advantage at the summit and maintaining their impressive momentum after a demanding run of fixtures.
The Flying Antelopes went into the encounter following a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance in their rescheduled Matchday 9 fixture, where Chidozie Iwundu’s second-half header proved decisive. That result had taken Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side to the top of the standings, and Sunday’s success ensured they retained their position.
Chimezie’s intervention shortly before the interval proved to be the difference against Kwara United. The midfielder found the breakthrough in the 40th minute, giving Rangers the advantage they needed to approach the second half with greater control of the contest.
Kwara United, meanwhile, were unable to find a response that could deny the hosts maximum points, as Rangers protected their narrow lead to secure another valuable home victory.
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The result carries added significance in the context of Rangers’ recent league campaign. After drawing 1-1 with Rivers United in Port Harcourt on November 1, the champions returned to winning ways against Bendel Insurance before following it up with Sunday’s victory over Kwara United.
Their draw against Rivers was particularly demanding, with Godwin Obaje sent off in the second half. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Rangers held on to claim a point against one of their closest title rivals.
The subsequent victories over Insurance and Kwara United have now given Ilechukwu’s side a stronger position in the early-season title race, with 24 points collected from 11 matches.
Rangers’ ability to grind out narrow victories has also become an important feature of their campaign. Against Insurance, Iwundu supplied the decisive moment after goalkeeper Orya Joseph had kept the visitors in the contest with several saves. Against Kwara United, it was Chimezie who provided the breakthrough.
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With the league season continuing to gather momentum, the champions will be encouraged by their ability to turn tight contests into maximum points, particularly as the pressure from the chasing teams increases.
Rangers will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against Niger Tornadoes on November 15, with an opportunity to extend their winning run and consolidate their position at the top of the table.
BeSoccer
