NPFL 26: Rangers Beat Abia Warriors In Oriental Derby Showdown

NPFL 26: Rangers Beat Abia Warriors In Oriental Derby Showdown

Precious Oham 

Eight-time Nigerian league champions, Rangers International FC, secured the crucial three points in a re-scheduled M.D 5, NPFL 2025/2026 fixture, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

They defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium this evening, Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

The "Flying Antelopes" did all their damage in a dominant first half, finding the net twice to humble the Umuahia-based outfit, who are still reeling from their recent exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rangers opened the scoring in the 17th minute when defensive ace Iwundu Chidozie rose majestically inside the box. He connected with a perfect cross delivered by marauding left-back Evans Ogbonda, nodding the ball home to open the floodgates.

The partnership between Ogbonda and the attackers proved potent once more just 16 minutes later. 

The former junior international delivered another well-placed cross, which veteran striker and "Fox in the box," Godwin Obaje, expertly connected with to double the lead in the 33rd minute.

The team, tutored by absent head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu (who is away with the Super Eagles but provided "telepathic insights" to chief coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu and his crew), deployed a sharp 4-3-3 formation. 

This attacking setup, featuring Obaje, Waheed Adebayo, and skipper Chidiebere Nwobodo, kept the Abia Warriors' defense under constant pressure throughout the match.

Despite several efforts by Rangers to extend their advantage in the second half, the resilient Abia Warriors stoutly rebuffed any further damage. 

However, the day belonged to the hosts, with midfield maestro Ugochukwu Ugwuoke putting in a "mercurial best" performance, his crisp passes and deft touches drawing appreciative applause from the home fans.