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Kenneth Igboke and Enugu Rangers enjoyed a good outing against Akwa United thanks to a Puskas-worthy goal in the NPFL.
The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, witnessed a pulsating showdown as Rangers International FC clinched a dramatic win against Akwa United.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the second-round opener of the 2023/2024 season was a nail-biter that saw the Flying Antelopes take all three points after a narrow 1-0 win on Sunday.
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The Puskas winner for Rangers
Picture this: a packed Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as the Cathedral, in Enugu, buzzing with anticipation as Rangers hosted relegation-threatened Akwa.
The stage was set, with the crowd was roaring, and then, in the 48th minute, magic happened. Left-back Kenneth Igboke unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards out.
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The strike so majestic it left spectators in awe. The individual moment of brilliance turned out to be the only goal of the match and decider, earning Rangers a well-deserved victory following a dominant display.
Rangers survive scare
Before Igboke's Puskas contender, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Antelopes dominated the opening 45 minutes, with chances several opportunities led by star boy Kazeem Ogunleye and Chidiebere Nwobodo.
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But the Promise Keepers looked anything but a team in relegation with a determined performance they belied their position on table, holding on to a share of the spoils at the break.
In the second 45, Rangers’ coach, Ilechukwu applied pressure -raise am, raise am- with several substitutions and three minutes in, a swift combination play between Ikenna Stephen and Nwobodo set up Igboke for his moment of glory.
10 minutes after going behind, Akwa United fought back ferociously, testing Rangers' defense time and again and the pressure finally paid off.
In the 58th minute, the Promise Keepers were awarded a penalty after a foul on Sani Suleman. However, they failed to make it count as Friday Ubong's effort from the spot was stopped by Rangers' goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo, who parried the kick to the post, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
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Rangers hold on
Despite more opportunities for Rangers to extend their lead, led by mr reliable, Godwin Obaje, Ogunleye, and Austin Onyemaechi, the score remained unchanged.
Rangers held on for a decisive and expected victory to extend their unbeaten run at home and add to Akwa United’s NPFL woes.
Following the win, the Antelopes move up to seventh on the table with 31 points from 20 matches while Akwa remain in relegation waters with their 21 points leaving them 16th on the log.
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