‎Rangers go top after comfortable win over El-Kanemi Warriors

Rangers International climbed to the summit of the NPFL table following a commanding 2–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their Matchday 31 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.

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‎The Flying Antelopes started brightly, dictating the tempo within the opening exchanges and consistently troubling the El-Kanemi defence with incisive runs.

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‎Rangers thought they had taken an early lead in the fifth minute when Wisdom Ebirim tapped home from close range after a long throw-in by Daniel Itodo caused confusion in the box. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.

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‎Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Itodo rose highest to head home Chibueze Oputa’s corner, giving Rangers a deserved lead.

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‎Rangers continued to pile on the pressure. Ebirim came close in the 38th minute, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Iddrisu Ibrahim. Moments later, a well-worked move saw Waheed Adebayo square the ball to Ibrahim Yusuf, whose shot was blocked.

‎Ebirim remained a constant threat, missing another opportunity in the 43rd minute before Ibrahim Yusuf was denied in a one-on-one situation just before halftime. Rangers went into the break firmly in control but with only one goal ahead.

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‎El-Kanemi Warriors returned from the break with renewed intent and registered their first real attempt in the 49th minute, but Lucky Jimoh was equal to the task.

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‎Rangers quickly reasserted control, particularly down the left flank. Their dominance was rewarded in the 56th minute when Godwin Obaje latched onto a precise pass from Chibueze Oputa, beat his marker, and fired past the goalkeeper to double the lead. Obaje took his total for the season to 11 with the goal.

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‎With a comfortable advantage, Rangers controlled proceedings and pushed for a third. Ikechukwu Mgbemena came close in the 67th minute, while Kenneth Igboke missed a chance from inside the box in the 79th minute.

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‎El-Kanemi managed a late effort through Bashar Musa, whose long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Jimoh, but it proved too little, too late.

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‎Rangers now have a two-point advantage at the summit of the NPFL standings ahead of second-placed Rivers United who play on Monday at Nasarawa United.