2023 FA/AITEO CUP: Rangers Humbles Amateur INGAS FC 5-1 To Emerge Champions

Posted by Ignatius Okpara Enugu, Latest Headlines, News From The State, Sports News Thursday, March 9th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Nigeria premier football league NPFL, top flight club, Rangers Inter. FC of Enugu Wednesday trashed Amateur INGAS FC 5-1 in the 2023 edition of the State F.A/Aiteo cup final match played at the Rangers Practice Pitch Enugu.

African Examiner Sports reports that players of Ingas F.C of New Haven, Enugu could not contend Rangers, boys, who took absolute control of the game officiated by female FIFA badge Referee, Ndidi Madu, throughout the 90 minutes of play.

The Flying Antelopes, had in it’s squad Uche John leading from the back with the midfield trio led by Saidu Adamu and Shedrack Asiegbu with Godwin Obaje leading the attack.

The Coach Abdul Maikaba tutored boys showed the tenacity that has been sought after since the start of the season with right-back, Chidera Ezeh opening the flood gates of goals with a sublime free kick from the edge of the box which nestled safely inside the opponent’s goal on at exactly 7 minutes into the first half.

Shortly 15 minutes after, defensive midfielder, Innocent Gabriel worked his way through a sea of tackling legs to stab home the second goal of the day for Rangers, but the opponent halved the deficit on 28 minutes when attacking sensation, Okorie Chiedozie expertly curled home a free kick from the edge of the box.

Chidiebere Nwobodo restored the two goals cushion on 57 minutes when he ran unto an inch perfect cross from Austin Onyemaechi to blast past the goalkeeper while Godwin Obaje grabbed a quick brace on 79 and 82 minutes to further punish the coach Kingsley Obiekwu (MON) tutored side.

Reacting to the victory at the end of the match, Rangers coach, Abdul Maikaba said, “It was a good game against a determined side but our early goals destabilized them.

“I am happy with the performance of my players today especially with the harvest of goals and it is my belief that it will motivate the players going into the second round of the NPFL season starting with our rescheduled match with Rivers United.”

On his part, coach of INGAS, Kingsley Obiekwu (MON), said, “I congratulate Rangers for this victory but it is my belief that we shall have a better outing at the national level.”

Speaking with Sports Writers Chairman of Enugu state Football Association F.A, Barr. Anthony Ugwu described the final match as a perfect display of great football artistry by both sides.

He added that it was his belief that both sides will make a great representation for the state when the national competition kicks off.

Rangers and INGAS would be representing Enugu state at the national level of the competition.

The match was graced by soccer lovers as well as critical stakeholders in the round leader game which included the Enugu state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Manfred Nzekwe, the Chief Operating Officer of the league Management Company L.M.C, Prince Davidson Owumi, amongst others.