By Our Sports Desk, Enugu
ENUGU RANGERS have reclaimed their throne at the top of the NPFL table after a dominant 2-0 display against El Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.
In a match that pitted the “Flying Antelopes” against the resilient Maiduguri outfit, it was the individual brilliance of two stars that separated the sides and sent the “Cathedral” into raptures.
The Breakthrough: Itodo’s Aerial Mastery
From the first whistle, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men looked like a side destined for the top. Despite a flurry of missed chances early on, the breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute.
The star of the first half, Daniel Itodo, known more for his trademark long throws, proved he is just as dangerous with his head. Rising highest during a frantic goalmouth scramble, Itodo powered the ball home to break the deadlock. It was a goal that settled the nerves of the home faithful and rewarded a half of relentless pressure.
The Clincher: Obaje’s Veteran Class
While El Kanemi coach Kabiru Dogo attempted to rally his troops in the second period, the Warriors found no way past a resolute Rangers backline. The points were finally wrapped up in the 79th minute by the evergreen Godwin Obaje.
The veteran striker, who has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, doubled the advantage with a clinical, calm finish that left the visiting goalkeeper with no chance. It was a “star man” performance from Obaje, whose movement off the ball remained a thorn in the Warriors’ side all evening.
Top of the Pile
The victory moves Rangers to 53 points, leaping back to the summit of the Nigerian Premier Football League.
”I lost to a better side,” admitted El Kanemi coach Kabiru Dogo. “The second goal destabilized our plans just as we were looking to find a way back.”
For Rangers, the focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum as the title race enters its final, frantic stretch. On this evidence, with Itodo and Obaje in this kind of form, the Antelopes will be hard to catch.
