Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday defeated visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 12 fixture played at Nnewi.

In the match played at the FC IfeanyiUbah Stadium, Christian Nnaji and Chidiebere Nwobodo scored to ensure that Rangers picked the game’s three points.

Valentine Odoh had put Abia Warriors ahead in the 48th minute, but the visitors’ celebration was cut short in the 66th minute when Nnaji scored from the penalty kick spot.

Nwobodo made it 2-1 for the hosts in the 71st minute to send Rangers into fourth place from sixth position on the league table with 20 points.

Abdul Maikaba, the coach of Rangers International, later said he knew that the match would not be easy for his players considering the nature of the field.

“I became worried when the goal refused to come after 15 minutes. But I thank God that the lads rallied round to pick the three points in the end.

“We fought well for this win, knowing that the win will keep us closer to the top of the league table.

“But a lot of pressure is on us at home. However, gradually we are overcoming it and I hope that our next game against visiting Nasarawa United will be better.

“Though we have lots of injured players before this match, my happiness was that the players are doing well, especially away from home,” he said.

Rangers now occupy the fourth position in the league with 20 points, while Abia Warriors remain in 15th position with 13 points.

(NAN)