Rangers International climbed to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table after Chidozie Iwundu’s second-half header secured victory over Bendel Insurance in their rescheduled Matchday 9 encounter at the Awka City Stadium.
Bendel Insurance started on the front foot and threatened early when they won a free-kick from 25 yards. Alex Oweifaleya’s effort troubled the Rangers goalkeeper, who initially fumbled the ball.
The visitors continued to move the ball confidently and nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Chinedu Nwosu twisted and turned past Philip Clement before shooting narrowly wide, with the Rangers goalkeeper left rooted to the spot.
Rangers eventually registered their first attempt through Joel Odoh, whose long-range effort from the left was well saved by Insurance goalkeeper Orya Joseph.
A quick interchange involving Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Clement and Folarin Temitope subsequently released Ifeanyi, who drove forward before being fouled. However, Chidozie Iwundu sent the resulting free-kick from approximately 30 yards over the crossbar.
Odoh delivered another teasing cross in the 17th minute, with Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo flicking the ball with the outside of his right foot. His attempt narrowly missed the target.
Insurance continued to threaten, with Oweifaleya testing the Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh with a speculative effort in the 25th minute.
Jonathan James then combined with Oke down the left before the ball reached Nwosu, who turned sharply and curled towards goal. Rangers goalkeeper Jimoh responded with an excellent save to deny the visitors.
The Benin City side maintained their attacking momentum through quick passing combinations.
Lekan Freeman Wuchirwe delivered a square ball that evaded the Rangers defenders and found Oweifaleya in a promising position, but Jimoh produced another outstanding save with his legs in the 33rd minute.
Rangers attempted to respond through Mgbemena, who exchanged passes with striker Emo James. The forward cut inside and returned the ball to Mgbemena, but his attempted finish went wide.
Abolade Akorode also came close from outside the penalty area in the 36th minute, with his effort narrowly missing the target.
Insurance missed another opportunity shortly before half-time when Jonathan James capitalised on a misplaced Odoh pass, drove forward and delivered a dangerous cross. Oke, however, failed to make the necessary contact to turn the ball home.
Rangers captain Nwobodo sent another cross into the penalty area in the 45th minute, with the industrious Emo James getting his head to the delivery despite pressure from goalkeeper Joseph.
The hosts returned from the interval with greater attacking urgency. Odoh immediately tested Joseph with a fierce effort from the left before delivering a long throw into the penalty area.
Emo James connected with a header that looked destined for the net, but Joseph produced a stunning save. Iwundu reacted quickest to the rebound and headed home from close range in the 49th minute to give Rangers the lead.
The defender threatened again when he met another inviting cross from Temitope, but Joseph managed to keep his effort out.
Emo James also came close to doubling the advantage with an unexpected powerful strike that rattled the side netting.
Rangers ultimately held on to secure an important victory, taking their points tally to 21 from 10 matches and moving above 2nd place Rivers United who are on 18 points after playing 11 games.
Bendel Insurance remain fourth with 18 points from 11 games.
The Flying Antelopes will return to Awka on Sunday when they welcome Kwara United, with an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
