Chiedozie Okorie ended his 12-game goal drought in emphatic fashion, delivering a standout performance as Rangers International secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Kwara United on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 29 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Saturday.
The forward wasted no time making an impact, finding the back of the net in the very first minute with a composed finish after being played through on goal.
The goal, his first of the season, set the tone for a dominant display by the defending champions.
Rangers doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Saviour Isaac, the team’s top scorer, capitalized on Okorie’s brilliant assist to tap in from close range. The goal marked Isaac’s seventh of the NPFL season, reinforcing his role as the club’s leading marksman.
Saviour Isaac in action against Kwara United. (Photo Credit Rangers Media)
The Flying Antelopes sealed the NPFL win in the 62nd minute as substitute Frank Uwuniro took advantage of a defensive error from Kwara United to slot home the third goal.
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Speaking after the match, an elated Okorie expressed gratitude to God, the club’s General Manager, head coach, and the entire coaching staff for their unwavering support during his struggles in front of goal.
“I want to thank God, the General Manager Amobi Ezeaku, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, and the entire coaching crew for believing in me even when I struggled with my form. Their trust and encouragement kept me going,” Okorie said.
He admitted that his goal drought had been difficult to endure but was relieved to finally get off the mark with a man-of-the-match performance, contributing both a goal and an assist.
Okorie in action in the CAF Champions League.
Rangers Chief coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu praised Okorie for his resilience, commending his work ethic even during his struggles in front of goal. He also lauded the entire squad for their impressive NPFL matchday 29 display, which secured three crucial points for the title holders.
Meanwhile, Kwara United Technical Adviser Tunde Sanni lamented his team’s errors, which he cited as the main reason for their defeat.
“It’s a painful loss because we kept making mistakes in the midfield, which is supposed to be our strength. Those errors cost us, and against a team like Rangers, you get punished,” Sanni said.
Sanni also admitted that he was particularly disappointed because his team had come into the game seeking revenge after Rangers snatched a point in Ilorin with their only shot on target in the reverse fixture.
“We came here to get revenge after they picked a point in Ilorin with their only shot on target, but I can’t understand how my key players were so careless with their passes in midfield today. It’s frustrating,” he added.
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Rangers climbed to third place in the NPFL standings with 45 points from 29 matches. They will travel to face Nasarawa United in their next NPFL fixture.
Kwara United, meanwhile, remain in 12th position with 39 points from 29 NPFL games. Tunde Sanni’s side will look to bounce back when they host Akwa United in their upcoming league encounter.
