As the whistle is sounded across ten NPFL 2023/2024 match centers signaling the start of hostilities for the second round of the season, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C would be seeking the scalp of visiting Akwa United, the ‘Promise Keepers’ for the maximum points at stake for a perfect start in the second stanza.
The match day 20 of the ongoing season would be the 26th league encounter between both sides with the Enugu landlords having an edge over their Uyo brothers with eleven victories, six losses, and eight drawn encounters in the earlier twenty-five since the 2007/2008 season.
With six new recruitments to fortify the squad during the mid-season window, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu with his able lieutenants would have a reliable pool of quality legs to choose from to prosecute this encounter and turn the visitors back to Uyo empty-handed after the encounter scheduled for ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday, February 18, 2024 with kickoff slated for 4:00 pm.
Coach Ilechukwu still has his magicians in the form of Kazeem Ogunleye, Nwobodo Chidiebere, Naziru Auwalu, Godwin Obaje and others around to do the damage job on the visiting side who escaped with a slim 1-0 win in the reverse fixture at Eket to end the first stanza while the arrival of Zulkifilu Muhammed Rabiu, Uche Ezeala, Odo Joshua, Ogbodo Kelechi, Aniji Michael and Nebo Kingsley further expand the options available.
Occupying the 8th spot on the twenty-team log with twenty-eight points from the first round of 19 matches, the Coal City side is poised to do the needful for the upward push towards realizing its set target of ending the season on a positive note.
Fans and supporters of the club are assured of quality representation in the second stanza as was succinctly put by midfield marshal, Zulkifilu Muhammed, who said, “We are strong, united and determined set willing to give our all in every game to ensure we achieve our set target for the season. Our fans should be resolute in their support as we shall not let them down. On Sunday, I believe we shall all sing and dance at the end of the encounter.”
