Plateau United moved further away from the relegation zone in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after edging Rangers International 2–1 in an absorbing Matchday 23 encounter in Jos.
The Peace Boys made their intent clear from the opening exchanges and took the lead in the 17th minute through Vincent Temitope who showed fine awareness to lift the ball over goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh.
Rangers responded with greater control and were rewarded in the 30th minute when captain Chidebere Nwobodo capitalised on a loose clearance from a corner kick, finishing calmly to draw the Flying Antelopes level.
Nwobodo has scored 3 goals this season for the Flying Antelopes, 2 of which has been against Plateau United. Photo Credit: Rangers media/X
Momentum swung back in Plateau United’s favour before the break. A handball decision against Rangers defender Kenneth Igbokwe resulted in a penalty, which Temitope converted confidently to restore the hosts’ advantage and complete his first-half brace.
Despite chances at both ends in the second half, neither side found a breakthrough as Plateau United defended resolutely to secure all three points.
The victory took Plateau United to 15th position on 27 points while Rangers suffered their first defeat since the resumption of the second stanza of the campaign and dropped to 5th with 36 points.
Image Credit: NPFL/X
Rangers Chief coach Ekenedilichukwu Eke described the loss as part of football’s natural outcomes.
“Football is a game where you win, draw, or lose. Today, we lost, and we have to go back and plan ahead for the next game,” he said.
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He added that his team remained focused on a quick response.
“Our target now is the next game and getting to where we want to be. Today we lost, tomorrow we win. We are going to win.”
The flying Antelopes next face another relegation threaten team Kano Pillars on match day 24 on the 1st February at the Nnmadi Azikwe Stadium Enugu.
Plateau United manager Gbenga Ogunbote said belief and trust had been central to his team’s recovery.
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“When players trust you and have confidence in what you’re doing, they will always want to give more. I made them understand that they must add value to their careers and not destroy what they have already built,” he said.
In other centers on match day 23
Abia Warriors 1-1 Wikki
Nasarawa Utd 1-1 Enyimba
Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina Utd
