Rangers were imperious at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu scored three times to put an uninspiring Akwa United side to the sword in a Match Day 7 fixture of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes were quick off the blocks in the game as Akwa United's goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode was called to duty as early as the second minute when he pulled off a brave save from a Chisom Egbuchulam's 25-yard fierce free kick.
The homers kept the visitors quiet in the opening moments dominating possession and dictating the pace of the game. They created half chances and almost took the lead in the 25th minute when Bobby Clement put Egbuchulam through on goal but his attempt narrowly missed the target with the goalkeeper beaten.
The Promise Keepers did not help themselves as they were ony content with knocking the ball around in the own half and defending deep. They made lots of misplaced passes and almost scored an own goal but for a goalline clearance by Kayode to save the situation. In fact there was no urgency in their game.
The goals
A free kick in the vital area was sent into Akwa United's box by Bright Esieme, a poor clearance put the ball in the path of Clement who still did some hard work by chesting down the ball before taking it on the half volley into the net for the opener.
A free kick in the vital area was sent into Akwa United's box by Bright Esieme, a poor clearance put the ball in the path of Clement who still did some hard work by chesting down the ball before taking it on the half volley into the net for the opener.
The homers started the second half as they did the first and it paid off in the 52nd minute when the combination of Godwin Aguda and Egbuchulam produced a superb team move that was finished off by debutant Tope Olusesi to double their lead.
Something about Egbuchulam
Egbuchulam from the blast of the whistle was oozing with confidence as he stepped forward to take Rangers set pieces in Akwa United's vital area. He took four free kicks all on the edge of the box and all four were on target. He finally did the magic with the last one as his curling effort was too good for Kayode who was well beaten for Rangers third.
Egbuchulam from the blast of the whistle was oozing with confidence as he stepped forward to take Rangers set pieces in Akwa United's vital area. He took four free kicks all on the edge of the box and all four were on target. He finally did the magic with the last one as his curling effort was too good for Kayode who was well beaten for Rangers third.
Rangers would have added to their lead in the closing moments as Aguda sent in a defence-splitting pass. Kayode chased but Obinna Nwobodo unbelievably missed the target after rounding the goalkeeper.
The win ensured that Rangers return to top spot on 14 points, one more than second-placed MFM FC, who lost one-nil at Heartland.
MATCH DETAILS
Rangers: Itodo Akor, Bright Esieme, Chidiebere Okolie, Okey Odita, Papa Ousmane, Chisom Egbuchulam (85'), Tope Olusesi (72'), Obinna Nwobodo, Bobby Clement(81'), Christian Madu, Aguda Godwin
SUBS: Nana Bonsu, Etim Matthew, Charles Agbo, Chinedu Udeagha, Amanfor Chimezie (85'), Ifeanyi Egwim (81'), Dada Bitrus (72')
Coach: Imama Amapakabo
Akwa United: Olufemi Kayode, Otobong Effiong, Chigozie Chilekwu, Harrison Ibukun, Godspower Igudia (72'), Emmanuel Ariwa, Ubong Friday, Okoro Ibe, Otorogu Ezenwa (52'), Abdulafeez Awakan (52'), Cyril Olisema
SUBS: Bassey Akpan, Yusuf Adio, Joseph Nicholas, Peter Jang, Ini Akpan (52'), Nsikak Isaa (76'), Franklyn Ekong (52')
Coach: Maurice Cooreman
STATS
Shots: 11- 5
On target: 8-0
Corners: 5-4
Fouls: 11-14
Offside 1-2
Yellow card: 1-2
Emmanuel Ariwa 49'
Godspower Igudia 72'
Ifeanyi Egwim 83'
Shots: 11- 5
On target: 8-0
Corners: 5-4
Fouls: 11-14
Offside 1-2
Yellow card: 1-2
Emmanuel Ariwa 49'
Godspower Igudia 72'
Ifeanyi Egwim 83'
Man of the Match: Chisom Egbuchulam
