By Amaechi Agbo

The management of seven-time Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL champions Rangers International FC of Enugu, may be asking themselves questions whether their decision to chose FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s Stadium in Nnewi as their temporary home pending renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu was the right one.

This is because in just 10 matches in the 2021/2022 NPFL season, the Flying Antelopes have picked only 7 points from available 15 at home.

The team who have an exceptional away record in the league including opening day 2-1 victory against Katsina United have found it had to dismantle visiting teams in Nnewi.

Enyimba International FC were the first team to pick all three points in Nnewi, Rangers adopted home followed by Remo Stars who picked a point before Plateau United on Wednesday defeated the 2016 champions again at the Nnewi Stadium.

In Week 2, Rangers lost 0-1 against Enyimba on Boxing day fixture played 0-0 against visiting Remo Stars on 26th January in matchday 8 and lost 0-1 against Plateau United on Wednesday.

The only goal in the match was scored courtesy of Buhari Ibrahim in the 5th minutes of play following a header from a long through-in that passed the second bar, by the Plateau United full-back and captain, Itodo Daniel.

Every efforts made by Rangers to equalize the goal proved abortive both in first and second half of the match. In the second half, the introduction of Chidiebere Nwobodo, Shedrack Asiegbu and Elijah Ani added more vibes in Rangers midfield and attack, but Plateau United Goalkeeper, Victor Anozie was on duty throughout the match.

Both Christian Nnaji, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Elijah Ani and Sam Pam’s pokes on the goalpost of Plateau United, ordinarily could count for goal, but one technical deficiency or the other. The Goalkeeper’s idea to manage the time earned him a yellow card.

Expectedly, Rangers home defeat came with a huge price as they have been demoted from 3rd to 4th on the NPFL log with their Wednesday visitors, Plateau United overtaking them.

Rangers has played a total of 5 matches in adopted FC Ifeanyi Uba Stadium, Nnewi, this season because of renovation works going on at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The result shows that 2 matches was lost, 2 matches won and 1 match drawn. In like manner, Rangers has also played 5 matches away, 2 wins, 3 draws.

The result has placed Rangers on the 4th position with 16 points on the league table behind Rivers United (22), Remo (20), and Plateau United (18).

Next Rangers match is on Sunday with Wikki Tourist of Bauchi in matchday 11 encounter, they will be on the road.