Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International, fought their way to a valuable away point on Saturday evening holding Bendel Insurance to a 0-0 draw in a keenly-contested Matchday 32 encounter.
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City played host to a tightly-fought affair where both sides had opportunities to snatch victory but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.
The first half saw a balanced contest, with Bendel Insurance enjoying spells of dominance in possession. However, it was Rangers who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute.
A thunderous free-kick from Isaac Saviour threatened to give the visitors the lead, but the ball whistled agonizingly past the Insurance goal, much to the relief of the home faithful.
Rangers emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigour, displaying a clear intent to secure all three points. The attacking partnership of Frank Uwumiro and Godwin Obaje became increasingly influential, dictating the tempo in the final third for Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.
Just five minutes after the restart, Uwumiro was presented with a golden opportunity to put Rangers ahead after being cleverly set up by Obaje. However, his shot narrowly missed the target, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
The duo continued to combine effectively, and in the 75th minute, Uwumiro turned provider, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Obaje. Surprisingly, the former league top scorer failed to connect cleanly with the ball with the goal at his mercy, squandering another clear chance for the visitors.
Late in the game, substitute Chimobi Igwilo, a promising teenage talent, injected fresh energy into the Rangers attack. He had three separate opportunities to snatch a late winner for the Enugu-based side, but the resolute defending of the Bendel Insurance backline proved impenetrable, denying him the decisive goal.
As the clock ticked towards full-time, Bendel Insurance managed to breach the Rangers defence, creating a late opening. However, their final effort sailed wide of the target, ensuring the match would end in a scoreless draw.
The result means Rangers leave Benin City with a valuable away point, taking their tally to 46 points from 32 matches played so far in the NPFL season.
Both teams will now turn their attention to Matchday 33 and then the President Federation Cup 2025, where they are scheduled to participate in the Round of 16 on April 16, 2025, in Lagos, with a coveted quarter-final spot up for grabs.