Rangers International secured a comfortable 2–0 win over Abia Warriors in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The Flying Antelopes were sharper from the start, with their first opening arriving inside the first minute when Waheed’s cross was met by Godwin Obaje, whose header went narrowly wide.
Abia Warriors tried to control possession through midfielders Fatai Abdullahi and former Rangers man Shedrack Asiegbu, but the hosts’ direct play on the flanks through Chidiebere Nwobodo and Waheed kept them on the back foot.
Rangers nearly took the lead in the 7th minute when Oputa Chibueze’s delivery from the right found Obaje, but Warriors goalkeeper Okiemute Odah produced a fine save to deny the striker.
The breakthrough came soon after. Rangers centre-back Chidozie Iwundu, who had pushed forward to win a corner, rose highest to head home Evans Ogbonda’s pinpoint delivery.
It was Iwundu’s second goal of the season, both coming from headers after he had scored against Plateau United on Matchday 3.
Chidozie Iwundu. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
Abia Warriors struggled to find rhythm in attack, with Obioma’s wild first-time effort in the 23rd minute their only real chance of the half.
Rangers doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Ogbonda, again involved, picked up a loose ball after a clever exchange with Ugochukwu Ugwuoke before swinging in a gorgeous cross for Obaje to nod home.
The former Wikki Tourists striker has now scored in three consecutive matches, taking his season tally to four.
Godwin Obaje. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
The visitors came close late in the first half when Kangeshima’s long-range strike was deflected for a corner after brave defending from the Rangers backline.
Coach Imama Amapakabo introduced striker Chindi Merping for Asiegbu at the restart in a bid to add more attacking presence, and it almost paid off when Casemir Azubuike rattled the woodwork in the 48th minute.
The rebound fell to Obioma, but his weak shot was easily gathered by Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi.
Abia kept pushing, with Azubuike again creating danger from the right flank. His 61st-minute cross found Merping, but the forward’s header drifted wide.
Rangers remained disciplined, with Abdullahi later booked for time-wasting in the 71st minute as the hosts managed the game efficiently.
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The win marked Rangers’ first victory over Abia Warriors in Enugu by a two-goal margin since their 3–1 triumph at the Cathedral in 2020.
With the result, the Flying Antelopes move into fifth place (11 points) on the NPFL table after Matchday 7 and will next face league leaders Nasarawa United in Lafia, a side coached by former Rangers Chief Coach Mangut Mbwas.
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Abia Warriors, meanwhile, drop to fourth( 12 points) on goal difference behind Rivers United. They return to Umuahia to host El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday in Matchday 8.
