The ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C is already in Kaduna, North-West of the country for an NPFL 2023/2024 match day 23 fixtures against Niger Tornadoes, will be looking to continue its fine form since the start of the second stanza with another spectacular performance to stop the ranging tornadoes.
After annexing the maximum twelve points from its last four fixtures, scoring four goals and conceding none, the Coal City landlords are optimistic going into this fixture against the ‘Ikon Allah’ boys from Minna who did not play their match day 22 fixture due to the involvement of Rivers United in continental actions.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his wards understand what is at stake in this encounter and are determined to give it their all to maintain their unbeaten run that has lasted four match days and also push for a better placement on the log as the season approaches the end of the third quarter.
In the reverse fixture at their adopted home ground of Awka City Stadium in a match day 3 encounter, two first-half goals from Odoh Joel and Godwin Obaje, as well as a consolation goal by Bashir Usman, saw the match end on a 2-1 win for Rangers who are optimistic of doing a double over their opponent inside the main bowl of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
In the past two seasons, it has been a win apiece with two encounters ending in a draw with Rangers’ 4-0 spanking handed the Minna side in the 2021/2022 season in Awka the heaviest scoreline recorded.
Coach Ilechukwu in a chat ahead of the encounter, said, “We are positive always, anywhere, anytime, and optimistic of getting a good result in Kaduna against Niger Tornadoes. We are approaching the match with all the respect due to our opponent but determined to pick a very positive result to keep us in the chase for an appreciable finish this season.”
Recall that Kaduna has been a positive hunting ground for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ dating back to the seventies when the team captained by the living legend, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu (Mfr) led his men to snatch the ticket to the final match of 1977 Africa Cup Winners’ Cup from then, defending champions, I.I.C.C of Ibadan, via a 4-2 penalty kicks win after the first and second legs failed to produce any goal before defeating Canon Yaounde of Cameroon 5-2 on aggregate to become champions of Africa.
Credit: NORBERT OKOLIE
