Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International FC had high praise for their rivals Enyimba following a narrow 1-0 victory in the opening match of the newly launched Coal City Cup on Thursday night in Enugu.
The match, held at ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, was a thrilling encounter that mirrored the intensity of last season’s NPFL title decider. Rangers secured the win with a 51st-minute left-footed strike by Agu Kenechukwu, following a precise cut-back from Okorie Chiedozie and a clever pass from Isaac Saviour that sliced through Enyimba’s defense.
Despite the win, Ilechukwu was full of admiration for Enyimba’s performance under their new coach, Yemi Olarenwaju Daniel. Ilechukwu said, “It was a difficult game for us because we are rebuilding our team. Enyimba was much stronger than us and better than us in the first half.”
READ MORE: NPFL teams set to participate in Gov Diri pre-season tournament
He continued, “They possessed more of the ball and created chances, but I think we were lucky to win today’s game. If you ask me to talk about this game, I will give it to Enyimba because of the quality they showed. I saw some top-class movement, reactions, and preparation. I see them doing well in the CAFCC and NPFL.”
Enyimba, despite their narrow loss to hosts Rangers, displayed relentless attacking efforts. Their star striker, Joseph Atule, forced a fantastic save from Rangers’ goalkeeper Japhet Opubo with a powerful shot in the 12th minute. Additionally, a potential game-opener from Ufere Chinedu was controversially ruled offside in the 23rd minute.
The electric atmosphere at the stadium highlighted the fierce competition between Nigeria’s most decorated sides, with both teams battling fiercely for early bragging rights in the preseason tournament.
