Seven-time Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C are hoping for an away win in their opening fixture of the 2021/2022 NPFL season.
The Flying Antelopes will be slugging it out at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina to challenge for the maximum points at stake against host’, Katsina United.
Rangers’ under a new manager, coach Abdul Miakaba with some very interesting acquisitions to team up with some of the retained players, will be a team to beat this new season.
After Thursday’s training session at the Rangers Training Pitch, Enugu, chief coach of Rangers, Mbwas Mangut said that his wards were in the best frame of mind to defend the colours of the club as the season starts with an away game in Katsina.
“We have a good blend of the new and old players which to a very large extent, will give us the balance needed for a good start to the season. With the team almost in perfect shape, regarding injuries, I believe we shall get a good result in Katsina. It will be a tough match but we are prepared to give our all to return with something to cheer about,” said Mangut.
Last season, it was a 2-0 win for the Katsina side in a matchday 16 fixture in Katsina courtesy of goals from Rasheed Ahmed and Joseph Atule while the ‘Flying Antelopes’ earned a 1-0 victory in the return leg with Elijah Ani netting the winner on 70 minutes in the matchday 36 fixture in Enugu.
Captain of the Enugu side and Super Eagles B defence lynchpin, Tope Olusesi said going into the league opening fixture, “The team is in fine shape going into our match with Katsina United. We have trained very hard and believe we have what it takes to get a positive result from an equally good side like Katsina United. We have our target for the season and a perfect start will go a long way in helping us achieve that target.”
Rangers will be banking on the retained players led by Uche John, Ebuka Anthony, Tope Olusesi, Christian Nnaji, Ugochukwu Ugwuoke, Ifeanyi Nweke, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Chinonso Eziekwe and others to deliver a perfect start to the season.
Quality contributions from new acquisitions like, Ossy Martins, Julius Ikechukwu, Eboko Ikechukwu, Olawale Doyeni and others will also be expected.
In another development, L.M.C has given Rangers International F.C provisional approval to play their home matches at the F.C.I.U stadium, Nnewi with the second ‘Oriental Derby’ of the season between Rangers and Enyimba in a matchday 2 fixture will happen in Nnewi on December 26, 2021.
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