Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday announced their return to Awka as temporary home for their NPFL games with a 3-1 win against visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia on Match Day 7.

The star-studded Rangers Enugu team enthralled the ecstatic crowd with sharp dribbles and accurate passes before sending them into a frenzy with a 37min strike from the foot of goal poacher Godwin Obaje.

The first half ended with 1-0 in favour of Rangers.

Skipper Chidibere Nwobodo extended the lead for the Flying Antelopes when he took advantage of a rebound off the goalkeeper to send the ball into the net in the 49th minute.

Reprieve came for Abia Warriors when a spot kick was awarded after Austin Okpara handled the ball inside the 18-yard box.

The call was perfectly converted by Obioma Chukwuemeka, who sent Lucky Jimoh of Rangers the wrong way to put the scoreline at 2-1 in favour of Rangers in the 53rd minute.

Jibrin Faiz of Abia Warriors got a red card in the 77th minute, leaving the side at a disadvantage until 90+1 minutes, when Daniel Akolade of Rangers sealed the visitors’ fate to end the game 3-1.

Imama Amapakabo, coach of Abia Warriors, said his team created the most chances but did not convert them.

Amapakabo said the loss was largely technical, not tactical, adding that the team was upbeat as there was still a long way to go in the league.

Awka came to life with good football as supporters who thronged the stadium to see the oriental NPFL derby filled the stadium to capacity and beyond.

Rangers’ next game in Awka will be against Bendel Insurance.

(NAN)