Rangers International of Enugu coach Fidelis Ilechukwu bemoaned his team’s 2-0 loss to Rivers United in Port Harcourt during their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 31 fixture played on Sunday.
A goal in either half of the highly entertaining fixture saw the ‘Pride of Rivers’ claim all three points from an Alex Oyowah nodded goal in the 34th minute and Deputy Echeta’s 79th minute strike after a quick interchange of passes. The loss paused Rangers’ momentum as they chase their first NPFL title in many years.
Ilechukwu admitted that his team was out played by a River United side which was at their best, adding that they also had height advantage. He also blamed the pitch texture which he claimed to have denied his players the opportunity to execute their free-flowing play .
“I think it was a great game but it was not a good one for us. A terrible day,” said Ilechukwu.
“So many errors in the defense line. Our opponent had the advantage of so many tall players which gave them a lot of advantage and they deserved their win because they created a lot more chances against us and that is football for you.
“Hope is not lost as we still believe in what we can achieve this season. We have to work more in our areas of challenges.”
Despite the loss Rangers remain rooted at the summit of the standings with 54 points and will next play Plateau United on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
