Chinemerem Ugwueze made the difference for reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enugu Rangers as they edged out newly-promoted Ikorodu City 1-0 in a rescheduled game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
It was the first game for the Flying Antelopes since they were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.
It was also their first win of the current NPFL campaign.
Ugwueze powered a glancing header in the 25th minute from Kazeem Ogunleye’s corner, beyond Ikorodu City goalkeeper James Faith.
Enugu Rangers attempted to increase their tally, but the attack was subsequently kept at bay courtesy a resolute home defense marshalled by Ohaegbulam Chijioke and Leonard Ngenge.
The victory takes the eight-time Nigerian champions to eighth on the log with four points, albeit with an outstanding game.
First win of the season, first away win of the NPFL25, We hope to maintain the momentum as we ease our CAF pains.#IKORAN #NPLF25#GloryDays #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/evR6CNGdND
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) September 25, 2024
Ikorodu City however remain at the bottom of the table without a win in three games in the new season.
In the other rescheduled game, nine -time champions Enyimba, defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 in Aba.
Ufere Chinedu and Eze Ekutoziam were the goal scorers for the People Elephants, while Lobi Stars’ consolation was scored by Adebayo Waheed.
