Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday defeated perennial rivals Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1–0 in a Week 12 Nigerian Premier Football League encounter.

 The match, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, began with the visitors dictating the early pace, while the hosts sat back to study proceedings.

Shooting Stars’ dominance in midfield made it difficult for the home side to mount any meaningful attack in the opening quarter of an hour.

The Flying Antelopes, however, began to grow into the game midway through the first half, forcing the Shooting Stars goalkeeper into several impressive saves.

Their pressure paid off in the 38th minute when defender Chiedozie Izundu scored from a set piece to give Rangers a 1–0 lead before half-time.

On resumption, both sides renewed hostilities, creating chances at both ends, but their frantic efforts to change the scoreline proved abortive.

In a post-match interview, Rangers’ Assistant Coach, Kene Ekenedilichukwu, commended his players for their determination and fighting spirit throughout the contest.

Ekenedilichukwu, who stood in for Chief Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, attributed the victory to teamwork and discipline among the players.

“We deserved the win, and I’m proud of the boys. We’ll keep improving with every match,” he said confidently.

Coach of Shooting Stars, Nurudeen Aweroro, praised his players for their effort, despite the disappointing outcome in Enugu.

He said the team would return to the drawing board to correct mistakes and prepare better for their next fixture.

 “We’ll go back and prepare for the next match. I cannot blame officiating for our loss,” Aweroro said. 

(NAN)