Obaje eyes Federation Cup glory as Rangers seek consolation for NPFL title miss

By Wale Mustapha

Enugu Rangers forward Godwin Obaje says the team is determined to end a difficult season on a high by winning the President Federation Cup — their only remaining route to silverware and continental qualification.

The Flying Antelopes failed to defend their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this term and are set to finish outside the top three, effectively missing out on a CAF competition spot through the league.

Under head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers are now placing their hopes on the Federation Cup, where they face Kwara United in the semifinals next weekend in Lagos.

Reflecting on the club’s underwhelming league campaign, Obaje admitted the season fell short of expectations but remains confident in the team’s chances of lifting the historic cup competition.

“Football is like that. Sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned,” Obaje told Completesports.com.

“It wasn’t the best of seasons for us. As defending champions, we wanted to do much better, but then, this is football — it doesn’t always go your way. But thank God we’re in the Federation Cup semi-finals. Hopefully, we’ll make amends and see if we can still end the season with something.”

Obaje has been a key figure for Rangers this season, scoring eight goals — two behind the club’s top scorer, Saviour Isaac, who has netted ten.

Victory in the Federation Cup would not only provide consolation for Rangers’ domestic struggles but also secure a berth in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.