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The seven-time Nigerian champions sit at the bottom of Group B and could be forced into relegation should their poor form continue.
Abdu Maikaba, the head coach of NPFL side Rangers International have had his job come under jeopardy after the Enugu State issued him and his technical crew a two-match ultimatum, effective Sunday, January 22.
The seven-time Nigerian champions sit at the base of Group B after a poor start to the 2023 NPFL season, which saw them losing in consecutive matches to Abia Warriors and Lobi Stars.
The defeats, one of which came at Rangers' temporary home ground - the Akwa City Stadium - leave them with no goals scored, and zero points after two matches.
Maikaba gets two-match ultimatum
In a letter dated Friday, January 20 and signed by Enugu State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Manfred Nzekwe, Maikaba and his technical crew were summoned to fix the 'dwindling fortunes of Rangers' or risk losing their jobs.
"The government of Enugu State and supporters of Rangers are concerned that the fortunes of Rangers is drastically dwindling under your watch," the document said in part.
"Recall that the contracts of all technical crew members of Rangers are purely PERFORMANCE BASED.
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"Following from the above therefore, a two (2) matches ultimatum is hereby issued to the leadership cum members of the Rangers technical crew beginning from Rangers home game at Awka, Anambra State on the 22nd January 2023. Good luck!" the document concluded.
The Flying Antelopes are owned by Enugu's State government.
Rnagers to face Sunshine Stars in game week 3
With his job on the line, Maikaba's side will hope to turn their season around when they play Sunshine Stars at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday, January 21.
The last two meetings between both clubs have seen the games end in a goalless stalemate, although Rangers recorded the last win - a 4-1 home victory in June 2021.
The Enugu club are seven-time champions of the Nigerian top flight having lifted the league title in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 2016. They remain the only side to have never been relegated from the NPFL.
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