NPFL: Rangers Win Test Match To Keep Fitness Level

Rangers International FC of Enugu, on Thursday at the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu thrashed a local club side, AC United 4-2 in a friendly encounter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the test match is in preparation for the Flying Antelopes’ matchday 18 away encounter with Plateau United FC in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

AC United, an amateur club side based in Enugu unexpectedly took the lead in the 20th minute through Maduabuchi Okah.

Ifeanyi Nwobodo compounded the woes of the NPFL club side when he doubled the lead of the amateur side in the 34th minute.

However, Rangers FC reduced the scoreline in the 40th minute through a well-taken spot-kick by Okey Nwadike.

Ojukwu Ifegwu, however, restored parity for the Rangers when he made it 2-2 in the 52nd minute of the game.

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In the 60th minute, Kelvin Itoya failed to put Rangers FC in front when he missed a spot-kick in an effort that drew a fantastic save from the goalkeeper of AC United, Chinedu Udeh.

However, Ifegwu completed his brace in the 85th minute to make it 3-2 for Rangers FC before Ugochukwu Ugwuoke added one more goal to make the tally 4-2 from the spot-kick in the 89th minute.

In an interview after the match, the Chief Coach of AC United, Callistus Ezebuike described the match as a grade one test game for his team.

Ezebuike said that such friendlies were needed to give his players the needed exposure and confidence.

He applauded the resilience of his players for the mental strength they exhibited which he said overstretched the Rangers players.

“Rangers FC has international players so the exposure and experience of this match are all we need,’’ Ezebuike said.