Rangers Aiming to End 32 Years Wait for another Title, Tie with Wikki

*League actions continue irrespective of court ruling
Enugu Rangers shot to second place on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after they recorded a 1-0 home win over MFM FC in a rescheduled tie.

They now have 54 points from 32 matches, same as leaders Wikki Tourists, who enjoy a better goals difference.

They could climb to the summit of the standings should they beat third-placed Rivers United at home on Sunday as Wikki are scheduled to host Giwa FC . Rangers last won the league 32 years ago.

Rangers match winner on Thursday was Tope Olusesi, who headed home a cross by Chisom Egbuchulam in the 75th minute. MFM are 18th on the table on 38 points.

In his reaction to the win, Rangers Manager, Imama Amakapabo, who declined media interviews after the loss to Nasarawa last Sunday said it was a huge relief to get the full points at stake.

“I think it was heart-warming to get back to winning ways because after our game against Nasarawa I was so angry that we lost and had been pained since then.

“Today, we fought hard as the boys knew what was at stake and playing an MFM side that was struggling against relegation meant they came out to play and give their best but my boys stood up to the occasion”.

Meanwhile, league matches will be played across the country this weekend despite a court order suspending the competition until further notice.

A high court in Bukuru, near Jos, suspended the league indefinitely on Wednesday until an earlier order by the same court for Giwa FC to be fully re-instated in the league was complied with.

However, Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company (LMC), Salihu Abubakar, assured stakeholders that matches will go ahead as planned even after this latest court order.

“The league will continue, there is no problem,” said Abubakar.
“The clubs should go about their business we will worry about the legal issues.”
Nine matches have been scheduled for Sunday.

Heartland are home to Ikorodu United, Pillars hosts Sunshine Stars, Plateau United welcome Shooting Stars and Rangers take on Rivers United.

The other fixtures are Warri Wolves vs Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors vs IfeanyiUbah, Akwa United vs MFM, Lobi vs Enyimba and El Kanemi vs Tornadoes.