By Amaechi Agbo

Technical Adviser of Rangers International FC, Abdul Maikaba has blamed his side’s 1-0 defeat against Rivers United in a rescheduled 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL match on the decision of the referee.

Maikaba who watched as his side suffered another away loss with odd goal, was critical about the referee’s decision to award a free kick to Rivers United in the 63rd minute when Rangers players was fouled.
POST-MATCH REPORT

Nyima Nwagua scored the only goal of the match in the second half, showing great technique to slot home Paul Acquah’s right-wing cross from the resulting free kick

“It was a very good game from both sides which to a very large extent showcased our football in good light.

“However, we conceded a goal due to a mistake by the referee who initially whistled in our favor after a tackle on my player which led to his being treated on the pitch but she turned around to give the advantage to Rivers United and this led to our conceding the goal,” he said.

He also blamed loss of concentration from his players adding that they could have picked a point from the game had his attackers were clinical enough

“My players performed really well and we could have equalized but for loss of concentration in front of the goal. Our chances of participating in the Super-Six is still bright and we hope to work on the new found form as the second round starts.”

The second stanza of the 2023 NPFL season will commence this weekend across various centres.

In the abridged league, Bendel Insurance who remained unbeaten in the first stanza are topping Group A with 23 points while Lobi Stars are leading Group B with 19 points from 9 matches.