Reigning champions Enugu Rangers began the defence of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a goalless draw against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on Saturday as the 2024-25 season gets underway.
All squared up at full time—hard luck as we couldn’t find a breakthrough.#RANELK #NPFL25#GloryDays #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/uz8QE1YUCG
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) August 31, 2024
Both teams created chances in the game, but President Federation Cup champions, El-Kanemi, on their return to the top-flight gave the Flying Antelopes a tough test.
The Fidelis Ilechukwu-led Rangers had their best chance in the first half, courtesy of Saviour Isaac’s 28th minute free-kick, but goalkeeper George Abine denied the midfielder’s attempt with a superb save.
At the other end, Rangers’ shot-stopper Japhet Opubo also produced a brave save just before the half-time break when he expertly saved Jonathan Jacob’s goal-bound acrobatic effort.
Abine was forced to make another smart save for El-Kanemi in the dying embers of the game, as the 27-year-old goalie denied Ifeanyi Onyebuchi’s powerful header in the 89th minute, to help the visitors secure a point away from home in their season-opener.
Other matchday one games in the new NPFL season will take centre stage next weekend when Enyimba visit Ikene to face newly-promoted Beyond Limits Football Academy, Kwara United welcome Niger Tornadoes and Rivers United head to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin to battle Bendel Insurance.
Meanwhile, Plateau United will lock horns against Katsina United, Kano Pillars and Ikorodu City will battle for available points, Lobi Stars will face with Akwa United, Sunshine Stars entertain Bayelsa United, while Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United will both go up against Remo Stars and Shooting Stars, respectively.
