NPFL: Rangers to finish season without 11-goal forward in major title blow

2023/24 NPFL winners Rangers International. (Photo Credit: Rangers_Int'l/X)

NPFL: Rangers to finish season without 11-goal forward in major title blow

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:43 - 05.06.2024

NPFL leaders Rangers International will play the rest of the season without their top scorer in the Football League.

NPFL leaders Rangers International have been dealt a major blow with the news that their top scorer Godwin Obaje will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

The club has confirmed that the star forward will play no further part in their campaign this year after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Rangers to be without star striker for NPFL run-in

Obaje was a notable absentee as the Flying Antelopes secured a share of the spoils against Sporting Lagos on Sunday.

The reliable striker, who has netted 11 goals to fire Rangers to the top of the table, will now miss the final four matches of the season.

Godwin Obaje (left) and Chukwudi celebrate goals for Rangers.
Godwin Obaje (left) and Chukwudi celebrate goals for Rangers. (Photo Credit: Rangers/X)

Speaking to StarTimes Beta Sports, the official broadcast partners of the NPFL, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu confirmed the devastating news.

"I was told by the Rangers medical team that the striker will not be able to play for the club for the rest of the season," Ilechukwu revealed.

Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu is unhappy after losing Obaje.
Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu is unhappy after losing Obaje. (Photo Credit: Rangers/X)

The loss of Obaje is a huge setback for Rangers, who sit just two points ahead of second-placed Enyimba at the summit of the Nigerian top flight.

The holders Enyimba are Rangers' next opponents in a potentially title-deciding clash, as the race for the NPFL crown reaches a thrilling climax.

Godwin Obaje is Rangers' top scorer with 11 goals in the NPFL.
Godwin Obaje is Rangers' top scorer with 11 goals in the NPFL.

Without their prolific marksman Obaje leading the line, Rangers will need to find alternative sources of goals if they are to hold off the challenge of the defending champions.

This untimely injury blow is a major test of the depth and resilience of the league leaders as they bid to secure their first Nigerian title since 2016.

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