By Ahmad Elnafaty
The 10-match unbeaten run of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers, was finally ended as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Shooting Stars Sport Club (3SC) at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.
Starting the match brilliantly, 3SC were patient and pragmatic when in possession as they attempted to regain a measure of control following an encouraging spell from the hosts, and they eventually made the breakthrough in the 28th minute courtesy of a thunderous left-footed strike from Ikouwem Utin.
Rangers had the opportunity to end the pulsating encounter with a share of the spoils when they were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes, but Ikenna Stephen could only strike the outside of the post with his spot kick.
The Oluyole Warriors may not have been at their free-flowing best from an attacking perspective, but the first-half strike from Ikouwem Utin proved decisive and their resilient backline ensured that they got the job done against the Flying Antelopes.
The full-time whistle met with jeers from the fans as Rangers 10-match unbeaten run was finally ended.
A 0-0 draw against Akwa United on October 21, 2024 began the sequence which saw them go 10-match undefeated, but a 0-1 defeat at the hands of the Oluyole Warriors however ended the sequence, which consisted of four victories and six draws.
3SC will be aiming to make it five successive wins when they host Kwara United on Sunday. The Oluyole Warriors are currently third in the NPFL table with 30 points, three points behind the top-two Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are tied on 33 points.
As for Rangers, the disappointing result means they dropped to fourth in the standings with 28 points from 18 games.
The Flying Antelopes will attempt to produce a positive response in an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, December 29, 2024.