Rangers International coach Fidelis Ilechukwu voiced his frustration after his team battled to a 0-0 draw against Bendel Insurance in a tense Matchday 32 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Both sides fought hard at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City but couldn’t find the back of the net in a rain-soaked encounter filled with drama and missed opportunities.
Missed Chances and Early Setbacks
Rangers looked threatening in the first half and came close to scoring when Saviour Isaac’s 29th-minute free kick missed the target by inches. However, they suffered a setback just before halftime as Onyebuchi limped off in the 38th minute and was replaced by Patrick Egeonu three minutes later.
Heavy rain poured down in the second half, making conditions difficult. Still, the visitors nearly broke the deadlock when Uwumiro fired wide after receiving a stylish pass from Obaje in the 50th minute. Obaje himself had a golden chance to steal the win in the 75th minute but saw his header off Uwumiro’s delivery miss narrowly.
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After the final whistle, Ilechukwu admitted his side fell short of their target.
“It was a good match which we came prepared to pick the maximum points at stake, but we are happy with the result,” Ilechukwu said. “This is a result I can say was two points dropped for us, and we continue to work hard in our remaining fixtures to ensure we end the season on a high.”
Fidelis Ilechukwu won the 2023/2024 NPFL title with Rangers, his first ever league title. Photo Credit: X
Race for Continental Slot Heats Up
With the draw, Rangers remain 5th place with 46 points from 32 matches, continuing their push for a continental ticket. Bendel Insurance sit just behind in 6th place, also on 46 points, separated only by goal difference.
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Rangers now prepare for a crucial Oriental Derby against Heartland FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu next weekend, a clash that could shape their NPFL season.
Meanwhile, both teams will reignite their rivalry in the Round of 16 of the President Federation Cup. The rematch is scheduled for April 16, 2025, in Lagos, with a place in the quarterfinals up for grabs.
