Relegation-zone woes for Sporting Lagos as NPFL leaders Rangers, led by Super Eagles’ Igboke, fire 6-word warning

Lagos-bound Rangers International.

Relegation-zone woes for Sporting Lagos as NPFL leaders Rangers, led by Super Eagles’ Igboke, fire 6-word warning

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:43 - 01.06.2024

Sporting Lagos have been warned by NPFL leaders Rangers International armed with Super Eagles star Kenneth Igboke ahead of the decisive matchday 34 clash between the teams.

Relegation-threatened Sporting Lagos have been put on notice by NPFL league leaders Rangers International, who are armed with the firepower of Super Eagles star Kenneth Igboke.

The two sides are set to square off in a decisive matchday 34 clash, with Rangers, known as the "Flying Antelopes," sending a clear message to their hosts ahead of the encounter on Sunday.

Igboke-led Rangers warn Sporting Lagos

In a pre-match statement, the Rangers media team warned that the Tech Boys will be "fighting the fight of their lives" against the Antelopes, underscoring the importance of the game for both sides.

In the reverse fixture, played at the Awka City Stadium on December 17, 2023, Rangers emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, thanks to goals from Austin Onyemaechi and Agu Kenechukwu.

Kenneth Igboke hits the famous siu by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kenneth Igboke hits the famous siu by Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has urged his team not to underestimate their opponents, acknowledging the threat posed by Sporting Lagos, especially under their new manager Abdullahi Biffo.

"We expect a good game from Sporting Lagos, but we are very positive of the outcome," Ilechukwu said.

Rangers International will fly into Lagos for the tie sporting their traditional attire.
Rangers International will fly into Lagos for the tie sporting their traditional attire.

 "We are not by any means underrating our opponent as no team in the top league is a push-over. We respect Sporting, especially under their new coach, Biffo, whom I respect very much, but we shall approach the match as a cup final, believing that our efforts on the pitch will give us the positive result we expect at the end of the encounter."

Rangers currently sit atop the NPFL table with 60 points, four ahead of defending champions Enyimba, while Sporting Lagos are just a point above the relegation zone in 14th place.

Jonathan Alukwu (yellow) of Sporting Lagos fights for the ball against Rivers United hero Andy Okpe.
Jonathan Alukwu (yellow) of Sporting Lagos fights for the ball against Rivers United hero Andy Okpe. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos/X)

The upcoming clash between the league leaders and the relegation-threatened Sporting Lagos promises to be a high-stakes affair, with the Flying Antelopes and their star-studded lineup, led by Igboke, determined to maintain their position at the summit of the NPFL.

The game is one of a few set to be on TV courtesy of the official broadcast partners of the NPFL, StarTimes.

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