Rangers International produced an electric display to defeat Warri Wolves 4-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, and move into third place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table after matchday 22.
The Flying Antelopes made a dream start, opening the scoring just 58 seconds into the contest. Wisdom Ebirim’s long throw caused chaos in the Wolves defence, allowing Godwin Obaje to power a header past Joke Efevwera for his seventh league goal of the season.
Rangers poured forward relentlessly in the opening exchanges. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo dazzled through the Wolves backline inside five minutes before laying the ball to Anthony Chinemerem, who was making his second consecutive start, but his curling effort drifted narrowly wide.
The pressure continued as Ebirim teed up Ikechukwu Mgbemena from outside the penalty area, forcing Efevwera into a stunning save to concede a corner.
From the resulting set-piece in the 11th minute, Obaje rose highest once again to head home his second goal of the afternoon, taking his tally to eight and moving him clear as the NPFL 2025/2026 leading scorer ahead of Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf.
Godwin Obaje. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
Warri Wolves gradually grew into the game and carved out their first opening when Oriji Chisom tried his luck with a curling effort, comfortably saved by Abine George after Justus Ohanu created the chance. Ohanu remained influential, and in the 28th minute his corner was met by Ademola Adebambo, whose header flew off target.
Rangers continued to threaten. Nwobodo weaved past several yellow shirts and found himself in the box but fired wide with his weaker foot, while at the other end George made a fine save in the 35th minute after Rangers failed to clear their lines and Ohanu poked goalwards from close range.
Obaje won the highest goal scorer award during his time at Wikki Tourists. Photo Credit: Rangers media
Obaje missed a golden opportunity to complete a first-half hat-trick when Nwobodo beat Bassey Bassey and Okie Mute Akporiaye down the right and delivered a teasing cross, only for the striker to fail to turn the ball home from point-blank range.
Centre-back Chidozie Iwundu, who has already scored seven goals this season, drove forward late in the half and won a free-kick on the edge of the box, but his effort sailed over.
Warri Wolves started the second half strongly and tested Rangers early. Shemayi Amatisiro forced George into action following a defensive mix-up, while sustained pressure saw Ohanu’s cross spilled by the Rangers goalkeeper before Kenneth Igboke cleared the danger.
The visitors were rewarded in the 56th minute when half-time substitute Israel Oladeji unleashed a stunning strike from outside the penalty area to reduce the deficit.
Oladeji nearly struck again eight minutes later, with George producing a superb save to deny another powerful effort as Wolves pushed for an equaliser.
Ekeh Ekenedlilichukwu led the technical crew while the Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu watch from the stands. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
Rangers steadied themselves and struck back in the 71st minute. Igboke broke down the left and delivered a cross that was controlled by Chinedu Onah before falling to substitute Igwilo Chimobi, who curled home calmly to restore the hosts’ two-goal advantage.
Six minutes later, Rangers sealed the contest with a devastating counter-attack. Mgbemena led the break before squaring the ball to Igwilo, who raced clear and finished ruthlessly to claim his second goal of the game and Rangers’ fourth.
Igwilo dribbling pass his opponent. Photo Credit: Rangers media/X
Warri Wolves grabbed a late consolation when they were awarded a penalty in the closing stages. Substitute Seth Mayi stepped up and converted confidently to make it 4-2, but it proved too little, too late to alter the outcome.
READ MORE:senegal-fa-official-reveals-disturbing-incidents-before-2025-afcon-final-triumph
The result moves Rangers International into fourth place on the NPFL table with 36 points, while Warri Wolves drop to 10th with 30 points.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Rangers will next travel to Jos to face Plateau United, who drew away at Katsina United on matchday 23, while Warri Wolves return to Ozoro to host Remo Stars.
