NPFL MD 30: Rangers suffer humiliation in Jos as Plateau United run riot

It was a humbling and disappointing defeat for the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C who got its backline cracked four times by Plateau United in a match day 30, NPFL 2021/2022 fixture at the New Jos stadium, Jos for a 4-0 bashing in the hands of the ‘Tin City’ side.

An unfortunate and unintended handball situation inside the box by captain of the side, Tope Olusesi on nine minutes saw the referee point to the spot and the penalty kick was dispatched by Zulkifilu Mohammed on 10 minutes to send the fans into wild jubilation.

Stunned as they were, the boys of coach Abdul Maikaba who was away in faraway Kano to hand his daughter away in marriage, upped their game with Chidiebere Nwobodo, Shedrack Asiegbu and Kenechukwu Agu pulling the strings from the middle of the pack but the pair of Andrew Ikefe and Alex Aghahowa did well to deal with all dangerous moves.

An opportunity to draw level for the Enugu side was wasted as top-scorer for the side, Ossy Martins failed to convert from the spot on 26 minutes as Suraji Ayeleso made himself big to beat out his effort from the penalty spot after Chidiebere Nwobodo was wrestled down inside the box following one of his massy runs.

Zulkifilu Mohammed grabbed his brace for the day on 37 minutes after some very slack defending by the backline of Rangers gifted him the opportunity to stab home past an outrushing Seidu Mutawakilu.

Two more goals on 64 and 75 minutes of play off the head of Izuchukwu Chimezie and the foot of Sunday Anthony further punished the visiting side with substitute, Eso Achibong coming the closest to getting on the score sheet for Rangers on 81 minutes but his effort missed target by few inches.

Coach Mbwas Mangut said after the encounter, “It was a very disappointing game. It started with that very early goal and when we had an opportunity to draw level, we wasted it and a few minutes later, we got punished again. So much really went wrong today but we have to put this behind and prepare for our home game against Wikki Tourists on Wednesday in Awka.”

Despite the loss, Rangers remain in the third position after Remo Stars were shocked by visiting Kano Pillars 3-1 in Ikenne.