Rangers International climbed to the summit of the NPFL table following a commanding 2–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their Matchday 31 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes started brightly, dictating the tempo within the opening exchanges and consistently troubling the El-Kanemi defence with incisive runs.
Rangers thought they had taken an early lead in the fifth minute when Wisdom Ebirim tapped home from close range after a long throw-in by Daniel Itodo caused confusion in the box. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Itodo rose highest to head home Chibueze Oputa’s corner, giving Rangers a deserved lead.
Rangers continued to pile on the pressure. Ebirim came close in the 38th minute, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Iddrisu Ibrahim. Moments later, a well-worked move saw Waheed Adebayo square the ball to Ibrahim Yusuf, whose shot was blocked.
Ebirim remained a constant threat, missing another opportunity in the 43rd minute before Ibrahim Yusuf was denied in a one-on-one situation just before halftime. Rangers went into the break firmly in control but with only one goal ahead.
El-Kanemi Warriors returned from the break with renewed intent and registered their first real attempt in the 49th minute, but Lucky Jimoh was equal to the task.
Rangers quickly reasserted control, particularly down the left flank. Their dominance was rewarded in the 56th minute when Godwin Obaje latched onto a precise pass from Chibueze Oputa, beat his marker, and fired past the goalkeeper to double the lead. Obaje took his total for the season to 11 with the goal.
With a comfortable advantage, Rangers controlled proceedings and pushed for a third. Ikechukwu Mgbemena came close in the 67th minute, while Kenneth Igboke missed a chance from inside the box in the 79th minute.
El-Kanemi managed a late effort through Bashar Musa, whose long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Jimoh, but it proved too little, too late.
Rangers now have a two-point advantage at the summit of the NPFL standings ahead of second-placed Rivers United who play on Monday at Nasarawa United.