By Uzor Odigbo
Rangers International of Enugu put up a spirited fight in Wednesday’s NPFL Day 4 match against Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM) FC at Agege Stadium but failed to replicate their local and continental exploits, losing by a lone goal.
Newly signed Adeniji Kabir scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute with a low drive following a corner kick that Rangers goalkeeper carelessly parried the way of the MFM player.
The Flying Antelopes had it so nice early in the first half with some clear chances but lacked good finishing.
Top striker Uchebo was all clear in the 15th minute but shot wide leaving the scanty spectators at Agege Stadium to yell for nothing.
Four minutes later, the visitors continued with their robust football and Uchebo came face to face with MFM FC goalkeeper again but the lanky forward played into the waiting hands of the keeper at close range, though it was a good save.
From then on, Rangers continued with their tip-tap game while Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry players responded with long thrusts and wing play which later paid off.
Thus MFM FC claimed another maximum points at home and ended Rangers six games unbeaten run in all competitions. Adeniji made his NPFL debut from the bench against Kwara United and announced his arrival in the Nigerian top league scoring the second goal of the encounter with a fantastic header.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote of Rangers was unhappy about the result but commended his team for playing their hearts out. For MFM FC coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, his club played an entertaining match against the Flying Antelopes but says the victory was very important to them.
“We won today and we need to prepare very well for the next game because we are going to play Rivers United but there’s hope going to Rivers. Rangers is a big team with a good coach and quality players as you can see the victory is so precious to me because we need it more than them,” said Ilechukwu.
MFM FC have jumped from fourth spot in Group A to first position with six points.
