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By Our Correspondent

With the date for the commencement of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season yet decided by the authorities, Rangers International FC of Enugu and Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia played out a 1-1 draw in a preseason warmup match on Saturday

The match is part of friendlies lined up as new coach of the side, Abdul Maikaba seeks to find his footing in the club.

The friendly fixture that took place inside the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, UNEC stadium, saw the Abdul Maikaba tutored side take an early lead on 6 minutes after new boy, Julius Ikechukwu, steeled his nerve to chip over a stranded Okiemute after some neat dribbles and cross from Tope Olusesi.

To their credit, the coach Imama Amapakabo led side from Umuahia did not stay back to be wiped as Kalu Nweke, Onuh Emmanuel, Bello Lukman and Godwin Obaje took the battle to the half of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ but the defensive duo of Olawale Doneyi and Governor Ernest did well to contain the onslaught.

On 38 minute, a slip-up from the host’ backline allowed Cletus Emotan to fire an unstoppable shot past Adeniyi Bamidele to ensure both sides retired into the dressing room on even note.

Godwin Obaje put the visitors in the lead on 63 minutes as he re-acted the fastest inside the box to blast home an inviting cross from Njoku Austine who out-muscled his marker.