. Preview of MD 14 Mid-Week Games
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Assistant Coach of Rangers Int’l FC, Ekeh EkenediliChukwu has grudgingly accepted that the draw against “a very good, and tactically mature Heartland FC of Owerri side, was a fair result”.
Speaking to journalists at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, moments after the goalless draw in Owerri, Coach EkenediliChukwu said the Flying Antelopes had their eyes focused on taking all e points back to Enugu, and were both well prepared and motivated for it.
He said since their 3-4 home loss to Kano Pillars FC, the players and coaching staff have taken steady steps to rediscover their best form, and with former NPFL highest goal scorer, Godwin Obaje rejoining the team, after a stint in Oman, the improvements in their play, especially in their attack have been huge.
“The shared points, away to an opponent as big as Heartland FC, coached by [Emmanuel] Amuneke was a true reflection of a 50-50 game on the pitch. After 90 minutes and added time, it ended goalless, but I am sure the two sets of players, managed to entertain the fans”, he asserted.
Rangers have since returned to Enugu, to recover and prepare for Wednesday’s Day 14 fixture against struggling Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi, at the Cathedral.
While Rangers picked a vital point on the road last weekend, Daniel Amokachi tutored Nasarawa United, blew a two-goal lead, to eventually settled for a 2-2 draw, and a share of the spoils with Kano Pillars, at their adopted home in Lafia.
*NPFL: Other Day 14 Fixtures (Mid-Week)*
Nasarawa United Vs Bendel Insurance
Kwara United Vs Heartland FC
Sunshine Stars Vs Rivers United
Abia Warriors Vs Katsina United
Remo Stars Vs Shooting Stars SC
Bayelsa United Vs Niger Tornadoes
Ikorodu City Vs Elkanemi Warriors
Akwa United Vs Plateau United
Kano Pillars Vs Enyimba FC (Postponed). The encounter was put off indefinitely by the regulators of the NPFL, because of Enyimba’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup.
A delegation of players and officials of the Aba People’s Elephant, arrived in Cairo Egypt yesterday, ahead of their Day 1 fixture in Group D of Africa’s second tier Inter-Club Championships, against Al Masry of Egypt; and the kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm, Nigerian time.
Enyimba FC are two-time African Champions, having won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, in 2003 and 2004. The record nine-time NPFL Champions are also Nigeria’s only team, still in the hunt for glory on the continent.
Three other sides, Elkanemi Warriors of Maidugiri (Confederation Cup), Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu, and Remo Stars FC of Ikenne Champions League); all crashed out at the preliminary phase of both competitions.
