By Osondu Ngude
In what could be their response to critics after their loss to Rivers United at home on MatchDay 21, Rangers international brushed aside Jigawa Golden Starts (JGS) 3-0 in the one of the fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) MatchDay 23 in Enugu.
Christian Nnaji put Rangers in front in the 27th minute to give the home team the lead into the break, a first half that lacked the fluidity the Flying Antelopes have come to be known for.
On resumption of the second half, coach Salisu Yusuf made two changes which seemed to have lifted the home side with the introduction of Godspower Aniefiok and Ugwuoke.
With his first touch of the ball Godspower made it 2-0, heading in a cross from skipper Tope Olusesi in the 49th minute.
The introduction of Ugwuoke increased the pace of the game for the Rangers as they extended their lead in the 56th. The goal came off the boots of Ibrahim Olawoyin who connected a slicing pass from Ugwuoke.
Rangers, thus completed a double against Jigawa having earlier defeated the Dutse side 1-0 at home in Kaduna in the first round.
Rangers coach, Yusuf praised the unrelenting effort of the team in the match.
He pointed out that the team would have scored up to 3 or 4 goals before the break but missed the chances.
“We were truly the stronger of the two teams and believe me, all things being equal, we would have scored 3 or 4 goals before the break, but it was good we picked the three points at stake” he said.
According to the former Super Eagles Manager, “Jigawa Golden Stars is a good side and they showed it before the interval but they just lost concentration after the break, but we also lifted the tempo of our game”.
Yusuf maintained that the team has to start scoring goals if they are to achieve their target for the season.
“We have a target and we have to start scoring goals so that we can achieve it and to keep the positivity, believing that any where we go we can get a good result”.
Yusuf assured the club fans that the team will keep fighting for the league trophy because it is not out of reach.
“The game is still within reach and I am very sure we have the capacity to go for it and don’t forget that the beauty of a game is creating chances and that was what we did in this game but failed to utilize some of the chance,” Yusuf said.
Rangers next game is away to FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi on Matchday 24.
