Sports
Rangers Target Perfect Start For Title Defense
. . . As El-Kanemi Hits Enugu For Season Opener
Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International FC, claims to be fully set to kickoff it’s title defense as the 2024/2025 NPFL season rolls off with the visit of President Federation Cup champions, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri.
The coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side would be hosting the season’s curtain raiser at ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
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They are hoping that the fixture would be a replica of the title winning match for the Enugu side in the 2015/2016 season where the ‘Antelopes’ flew over the ‘Warriors’ by four un-replied goals in a packed stadium on October 2, 2016.
Having secured the services of some quality legs and hands to take the places of those that departed from the trophy-winning squad, coach Ilechukwu and his trusted lieutenants will be looking to ensure that the new season starts on a flying note even when a stiff resistance is expected from the Maiduguri side that recently gained promotion from the NNL and won the oldest club competition to pick a ticket to represent the country on the continent.
The arrival of such players as, Tekena Garando, Ekeson Okorie, Evans Ogbonda, Hillary Ekawu, Ernest Governor, Okafor Onyekachi, Bashir Usman, Lucky Abdullahi, Chikeluba Ofoedu, Effimi Nsi, Igwilo Chimobi, Williams Wonah, Oforkansi Michael, Ogbonna Anayor, Daniel Onyia, and a host of others to join forces with the reliable, Opubo Japhet, Ugwueze Chinemerem, Opara Austin, Onyebuchi Ifeanyi, Isaac Saviour, Ugochukwu Ejike, Agu Kenechukwu, Kenneth Igboke, Kazeem Ogunleye, Chiedozie Okorie, Stephen Ikenna, Odoh Joel, and many more, fans of Rangers are assured of a quality display when the encounter happens on Saturday.
Captain of the Coal City side, Ugwueze Chinemerem, in a chat, said that the team was prepared to kick start the new season on a high with the visit of their opponent from Maiduguri, stressing, “I expect a very tough customer in the form of El-Kanemi but with what we have been doing since our qualification for the second preliminary round of CAF Champions League, I see determination, passion and motivation to get a good result and set us on the right track for a successful title defense. We won the title with a young team and this season; we are campaigning with a much younger team that is highly motivated to repeat the feat of last season. Like I said earlier, it would be a tough encounter due largely to the fact that our opponent was recently eliminated from the continent and would come out to ruffle us but we are prepared for them and by God’s grace we shall celebrate at the end of the encounter.”
Shot-stopper and one of the deputy-captains of the squad, Opubo Japhet, who had two assists and twelve clean sheets last season, is optimistic of starting their title defense on a bright note against the ‘Invading Warriors’ from Maiduguri, stressing, “I will say a big thanks to God for the success of last season and for the start of the new season against El-Kanemi Warriors, I am very optimistic going into the match with the caliber of players in our squad. Surely, there are no more underdogs in the game of football hence we expect an open game but we are going for the maximum points at stake.”
The visitors under coach Aliu Zubairu are already in the Coal City as they arrived on Thursday and will have a feel of the playing turf of the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on Friday for the only match day 1 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2024/2025 with the others taking place between 6-7, September, 2024.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
Details shortly…………
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and socioeconomic growth through a strategic partnership with The Athletics School Games (TASG)
The TASG is an annual sporting event bringing together young athletes from private schools in Lagos, Biztellers reports.
The initiative aligns with the NGX Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus on community development, underscoring the Group’s belief in nurturing well-rounded future leaders through sports, discipline, and teamwork.
Held on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, the event provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase their athletic talent while cultivating essential life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and leadership, qualities critical for success in today’s competitive global economy.
The involvement of NGX Group extends beyond sponsorship, reflecting a deliberate strategy to support initiatives that bridge education, leadership, and economic opportunity.
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Head, Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “As a key institution in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, NGX Group understands that sustainable development begins with investing in human capital. Our support for The Athletics School Games goes beyond sports, it is about equipping young Nigerians with the discipline, teamwork, and determination needed to excel in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. This initiative is a cornerstone of our broader mission to foster a resilient economy powered by capable, well-rounded individuals.”
On his part, the event’s initiator, Seun Akinbohun, highlighted TASG’s role in unlocking opportunities for young athletes: “This initiative is designed to create pathways for athletes to excel and be discovered by scouts. There are so many opportunities for kids in TASG, and I am glad we are contributing to their development. We have expanded the event to include more participants, age categories, and flexibility. I am excited to bring the experience from the first edition into the second, with a larger technical committee and more experienced personnel.”
The event featured a wide range of track and field competitions, including sprints, relays, long-distance races, high jump and long jump. Beyond medals and trophies, the games emphasized personal growth, resilience, and the value of teamwork, qualities that extend far beyond the sporting arena into leadership and professional development.
By collaborating with organizations like TASG, NGX Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. This partnership exemplifies how private sector engagement in youth development can create lasting socioeconomic impact, aligning with NGX Group’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) torch tour continued through Edo State with the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honorable Amadin Enabulele and Festival Ambassador, Patience Igbiti on hand to receive it.
The Festival Torch which commenced the tour of the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Bayelsa State, is part of events the organisers are using to create awareness for the games which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.
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About 3000 Athletes will be competing for honours in 17 sporting events with an age restriction of not over 25 years of age.
The competition will hold at five venues including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School and Ultrafit Sports Club.
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September 1, 2024 at 6:00 pm
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