NPFL/DMF Preseason Tourney: Enyimba pip Enugu Rangers in opener

By Wale Mustapha

For Enugu Rangers, the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL and Dozy Mmobuoisi Football, DMF Preseason tournament did not go as planned as they lost the opening match to Enyimba on Tuesday.

The second match of opening day played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne saw both sides canceling each others out in the first half.

However, Enyimba had the upper hand in the second stanza with much dominance which earned them the winning goal with 19 minutes to go via a well taken volley by substitute Akanni Elijah.

Two efforts by Rangers to level things up came from Chidiebere Nwobodo and Reuben Bala but were denied Ojo Olorunleke who was at his best on those occasions.

A disappointing technical adviser of Enugu Rangers, Abdu Maikaba said the result did not reflect the performance of his side assuring that the team would turn things around in their remaining games.

“It was a good game and Enyimba deserve to win because they could convert a chance, they also played very well,” Maikaba said after the encounter.

“It could have been a draw had we take our chances as well, but I am happy that my players improved much in the latter part of the game.

“I think we have to continue from there going into other matches in the tournament with our target now to be amongst the finalist. It will be difficult but we can achieve it,” he said.

Rangers will next play against Shooting Stars at the same venue in a second-day fixture with the Ibadan enjoying its stay at the top of the four-team log after harvesting a 3-0 win over Bendel Insurance in the first match of the day.

Trophies and cash money will be given to winners of the inaugural edition of the tournament just as there is an individual award to the M.V.P and Top scorer.