NPFL:Rangers Thrash Struggling Sunshine Stars In Enugu

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By Sportsgister

A brace from fast paced winger, Bashir Usman and another goal by forward, Kingsley Maduforo in a dominant first half display ensured that reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC earned the maximum points at stake in a match day 26, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture as Sunshine Stars FC got stunned by three unreplied goals.

The visitors, led by coach Abubakar Bala, immediately launched early attacks after kicking off the fixture with Liman Ahmadu, Seth Mayi and Stephen Chukwude leading the attack but the Rangers backline ably marshaled by Austin Opara, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Joel Odoh and Evans Ogbonda stood their ground and rebuffed the early raids inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu.

Fast paced winger, Bashir Usman grabbed a brace in a space of three minutes as he reacted the quickest inside the opponent’ box and dribbled past the goalkeeper before stabbing home the opening goal of the match on 25 minutes while volleying in a chipped cross from Godwin Obaje on 28 minutes to complete his brace.

Kingsley Maduforo swept home the third goal for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ on 41 minutes as he connected with an Isaac Saviour’ cross while on the stroke of half-time, Obaje missed a seater as Evans Ogbonda’s incisive cross went begging.

The introduction of Williams Wonah for Kingsley Maduforo at the start of the second period by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu further pushed back the visitors but there was no conceding for the ‘Owena Waves’ as goalkeeper, Ishola Abdulateef, produced some breathtaking saves to deny Obaje, Wonah and Okorie at various times in the game as the referee brought proceedings to an end.

With the victory, Rangers now occupy the 3rd spot on the log after 26 rounds of matches with 41 points behind Remo Stars and 3SC and will next trade tackles with Kano Pillars FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Sunday, March 2, 2025.