Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu admitted his side missed the influence of injured striker Godwin Obaje after the Flying Antelopes were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 10 fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Obaje, who has scored four goals in six matches this season, missed the encounter through injury. His absence was felt as Rangers dominated possession but failed to convert a series of chances against a disciplined Kwara United defence.
“I think we had a very good game, but we failed to convert our chances, that’s what happened,” Ilechukwu said during the post-match conference.
“We missed Godwin Obaje because of injury. We played well but didn’t score. It’s painful because a win today would have taken us to a very good position on the table.”
The 29-year-old forward has been Rangers’ key attacking outlet, scoring half of the club’s eight league goals this season despite missing the first two matches.
“As of yesterday, we tried alongside the doctors to see how we could have him,” Ilechukwu explained.
“He didn’t train the whole week because of the injury, but we hoped he could play a few minutes. He’s shown how important he is to the team, and now we are struggling to score goals without him.”
Godwin Obaje.Photo Credit: Rangers/X
Since joining the Enugu side in 2022, Obaje has netted 27 goals in 73 appearances, helping the club to their eighth NPFL title under Ilechukwu.
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A former league Golden Boot winner with Wikki Tourists, the experienced striker has tallied 89 goals and 22 assists in 238 NPFL appearances, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s deadliest forwards.
Despite Obaje’s absence, Rangers created numerous chances through Agu, Ebirimi ,Iwundu, and substitute Gberefu, but Kwara United’s goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh stood firm to earn his side a valuable away point.
“We’ve worked a lot on converting chances,” Ilechukwu added. “I was surprised we didn’t score even one goal today. But our build-up play was beautiful that gives me hope. We’ll keep encouraging the boys and working hard. There’s no need to panic.”
The result leaves Rangers in 12th position with 12 points, while Kwara United move up to 10th on 13 points, extending their unbeaten run to three matches.
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Rangers next travel to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors, while Kwara United return to Ilorin to host Remo Stars.
