Rangers International FC has been crowned champions of the 2025 Enugu State President’s Federations Cup after defeating new comers Ijele FC 3-0, in the finals played in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu on Saturday, February 22.
The highly entertaining final match was witnessed by a handful of spectators in the stands as well as top government functionaries watching from the V.I.P pavilion.
Chief Coach of Rangers, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu rested most of the top stars that have been prosecuting the NPFL in the encounter.
However, the squad did not disappoint as the Ikenna Stephen captained side went in search of early goals but this was resisted by the backline of the NNL side (Ijele) ably anchored by the trio of Chidiebere Ogbodo, Oputa Nzube and Anibueze James.
Despite the tight defending of the young side, Rangers’ young midfield sensation, Daniel Onyia broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when he rifled home from a distance of 30 meters to give the much experienced Rangers side the lead.
The first half ended with the flying Antelopes leading by a lone goal.
When both sides returned for the second stanza from the locker room, Rangers increased their search for more goals with the introduction of Monday Yakubu for young Ogbodo Kelechi and on the 54 minutes, FIFA World Cup star, Michael Uchebo made it 2-0.
A pass from Effimi Nsi, who did well to rob a defender of the ball and evaded some tackling legs inside the box, was well tucked into a yawning net by veteran Uchebo.
In the 67 minutes, Daniel Onyia, again grabbed his brace as his long range shot took a wicked deflection to send the opponent’s shot stopper, Ojobo Ifebuche the wrong way for the third and final goal for Rangers.
Efforts by the winners to increase the tally failed to materialise especially on 77 minutes when substitute, Nnaemeka Onyekwere let fly a left footed shot that was headed for the top corner of the net.
Substitute goalkeeper for Ijele, Onyia Ifechukwu produced splendid saves to deny Rangers more goals in the dying minutes of the match.
Medals were later presented to the two sides who have qualified to fly the flag of Enugu state at the National President Federation Cup 2025.
The winners Rangers International were presented with a giant trophy by Enugu the state commissioner for Youth & Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, who represented Governor Peter Mbah at the occasion.
In a post match interview, Coach Ekenedilichukwu, who was at the dug-out for the ‘Antelopes’ described the match as a great match.
“Not because we won but because of the quality display from our opponent.
“We came prepared to win and we won. We give all the glory to God, ” he said.
