Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw by El Kanemi Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) opener at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Saturday.
The Flying Antelopes, who won their eighth league title just 68 days earlier, struggled to break down the resilient El Kanemi Warriors, the current Federation Cup champions, in front of their home supporters.
Despite both sides creating scoring opportunities, neither could capitalize, leaving the match scoreless. El Kanemi Warriors, recently promoted back to the top flight, showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the reigning champions. In fact, they often looked the more assertive side, with several spells of dominance that tested Rangers’ resolve.
Rangers’ goalkeeper Japhet Opubo was instrumental in keeping the scoreline level, making several key saves, including a crucial intervention to deny El Kanemi a clear goal-scoring chance after they breached the Rangers defense. His efforts ensured that the hosts salvaged a point from what could have been a disappointing start to their title defense.
The match was an early test of Rangers’ ability to defend their title, as they aim to become the first team in a decade to win consecutive NPFL titles, a feat last achieved by Kano Pillars between 2012 and 2014. However, their performance highlighted the challenges ahead for coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his squad.
El Kanemi Warriors, under the guidance of coach Aliyu Zubairu, will view the result as a positive start to their campaign in the top flight, especially after a season spent in the Nigeria National League. Zubairu had vowed that his team would give Rangers a “good fight,” and they delivered, matching the champions’ intensity and creating their own chances to win the match.
The match, which was broadcast live on StarTimes, the league’s official broadcast partner, was the only fixture of the opening weekend. The remaining nine matches of the first round are scheduled for next weekend, as the league organizers fulfilled their promise to kick off the new season on schedule.
This result sets the stage for an intriguing NPFL season. Enugu Rangers will need to quickly rediscover their form if they are to mount a serious challenge to defend their title, while El Kanemi Warriors have signaled their intent to be competitive and more than just participants in their return to the NPFL.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both teams build on this opening performance. For Rangers, the task will be to balance their domestic title defense with their CAF Champions League commitments, where they are set to face Angolan club Sagrada Esperança in the final round of the preliminary stage.
Meanwhile, El Kanemi Warriors will aim to use this result as a foundation for a strong season, with ambitions to not only secure their NPFL status but also make a significant impact. They also harbor aspirations of retaining their Federation Cup title, adding another layer of motivation as they embark on their 2024 campaign.
DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
