RANGERS BREAK DOWN PILLARS IN ENUGU.

The Matchday 24 NPFL fixture between Rangers International FC and Kano Pillars FC lived up to expectations, leaving fans and neutrals with plenty of talking points as the Flying Antelopes claimed a convincing 2–0 victory in Enugu.

The Matchday 24 NPFL fixture between Rangers International FC and Kano Pillars FC lived up to expectations, leaving fans and neutrals with plenty of talking points as the Flying Antelopes claimed a convincing 2–0 victory in Enugu. FIRST HALF: RANGERS DOMINATE Rangers dictated the tempo from the blast of the whistle, playing with intent and agility in the opening 20 minutes. Kano Pillars were forced to chase shadows, frequently losing possession in midfield. The first chance fell to Daniel Eni in the 3rd minute, but his effort failed to beat the Pillars goalkeeper. Rangers sustained the pressure, and in the 7th minute Wisdom nearly broke the deadlock, firing over the bar from close range after connecting with Itodo’s long throw. A minute later, captain Chidiebere Nwobodo dazzled past his markers and unleashed a powerful strike that was blocked for a corner kick. Kano Pillars registered their first real attempt in the 10th minute when Rabiu Ali delivered a well-weighted cross from the left flank, but no teammate could connect. The breakthrough finally came in the 12th minute. A poorly cleared corner kick fell kindly to Emmanuel Essien outside the box, and the midfielder made no mistake, rifling a ferocious strike past Abuchi Okeke to give Rangers a deserved lead. The visitors gradually grew into the game as Rabiu Ali and Chidozie Okorie began to test the Rangers defence. Okorie came close in the 29th minute after dancing past his markers, but his shot was blocked. Kano Pillars almost found an equaliser before halftime when Ovoke’s dangerous cross picked out Rabiu Ali, but Iwundu was on hand to make a crucial intervention. SECOND HALF: THE FLYING ANTELOPES SEAL IT Rangers picked up where they left off after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 48th minute. Chidiebere Nwobodo beat his marker and forced Mohammed Mukhtar into an own goal, making it 2–0 for the hosts. Daniel Eni nearly added a third in the 57th minute after brilliantly controlling Kenneth Igboke’s cross and dribbling past his marker, but his effort went wide. Ifeanyi Onyebuchi thought he had marked his return with a goal in the 73rd minute, heading home Igboke’s well-curled free kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Rangers continued to press, coming close again in the 78th minute when Daniel Eni’s pace created space for Precious, who squared for Waheed Adebayo, but his shot sailed over the bar. Kano Pillars had a late opportunity in the 84th minute through Rabiu Ali, whose long-range strike was deflected for a corner. In stoppage time, Rangers forced Abuchi Okeke into another fine save as Ikechukwu Mgbemena fired in a powerful effort. The encounter ended Rangers International FC 2–0 Kano Pillars FC. AS IT STANDS Rangers move up the NPFL standings with 39 points, while Kano Pillars remain on 25 points. UP NEXT Rangers travel to Aba for an Oriental Derby clash against Abia Warriors, while Kano Pillars return home to host defending champions Remo Stars.