Rangers International Chief coach Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh has questioned the officiating after his side’s 1-0 NPFL defeat to Rivers United, with a late equalising goal ruled out by referee Bashir Musa Mouktar.
Boluwaji Sholumade’s 52nd-minute header gave Rivers United the lead at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial decision in stoppage time.
In the 90th minute, a long throw caused confusion in the Rivers United defence and goalkeeper, allowing Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu to head the ball into an open net. Referee Bashir Musa Mouktar, however, disallowed the goal, a decision that sparked protests from the Rangers players and officials.
Chidozie Iwundu. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
Speaking after the match, Ekeh acknowledged the quality of the contest but said the manner of the defeat left him unhappy.
“I must definitely have to say it was a wonderful football match from both sides,” he said.
“Definitely we have lost the game 1-0, a very sad one, but I must have to let you know I’m not a happy person, not just because we lost the game.”
Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
The Rangers coach then directly questioned the decision to rule out the late equaliser.
“I have a question for you, because I’m very sure that you guys watched the game,” Ekeh told reporters.
“For me to go further to answer your questions, I need to know why the equalising goal we scored was cancelled.”
His question was met with silence in the press room, before he continued his reaction.
“I’m definitely not okay with the officiating of this game. We’re not okay with the officiating,” he added.
“I will want the authority in charge to review this game.”
Photo Credit: Rangers Media
Ekeh also spoke about the wider impact of officiating decisions on young coaches in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
“I think young coaches like us that are coming up need encouragement because we are the next set of people to take over this league,” he said.
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“But when you see this kind of thing, home must win by all means, try to find ways to make sure the host must win, it is very discouraging.”
He concluded by returning to the incident that defined the contest.
“So I want to know why our dying-minute goal was cancelled.”
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Rivers United’s victory keeps them top of the NPFL table at the halfway stage of the season, while eight-time champions Rangers remain sixth.
