NPFL: Rangers coach Ekene Ekeh blames carelessness for defeat to Rivers United

By Wale Mustapha

 Enugu Rangers head coach Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh has lamented his team’s lack of concentration after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Rivers United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 36 clash on Wednesday.

The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time, with Samson Obi capitalizing on a lapse in the Rangers’ defense to secure victory for the hosts at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Speaking to the club’s media team after the match, Ekeh acknowledged his players’ effort but admitted that a moment of carelessness cost them the game.

“This is football. The players fought really well,” he said.

“We conceded that lone goal in the added minutes of the first half. Our carelessness cost us the game.”

Despite creating chances in the second half, Rangers failed to find an equalizer.

“We pushed harder in the second half, but the damage had already been done,” Ekeh added.

“We’ll shift our attention to the next league match.”

Following the loss, the Flying Antelopes remain ninth on the NPFL table with 49 points from 36 matches.

They will host Katsina United on Matchday 37 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.