Rangers v Abia Warriors: Champions start their title defence with a derby

Last Season’s NPFL champions Enugu Rangers Fc, begin their title defense on Sunday in an Oriental Derby against Abia warriors at the Cathedral.

After they won the title, it looked like they were going to lose the winning coach, Imama Amapakabo.

But he signed a new two year deal with the club. He gave them the NPFL title after 32 years and the Enugu fans were so thrilled with the title.

Rangers snapped upon the signing of Daniel Etor from Enyimba and Fortune Omoniwari from Akwa Utd who are seen to replace Bobby Clement, and Chisom Egbuchulam who looks to go abroad.

Daniel Etor has revealed he ditched Enyimba for Enugu Rangers as he feels he has a better chances of winning silverware with the NPFL Champions.

The energetic midfielder, signed one-year deal with 2015/16 Nigerian
champions and he is confident that the Flying Antelopes will win more laurels in 2017.

“Well, I am very glad to have completed a moved to Rangers, I am optimistic that Enugu Rangers fly high on the continent next season,” said Etor.

“I know so well that the coach, Imama Amapakabo knows what he wants and that’s part of the reasons that motivated my move. I think i will
improve myself here and I’m confident that I’ll lift more trophies.

“I do believe that the coach has a lot to offer the team, targets are well
articulated, the focus of the team is well defined and the quality of players here will conquer Africa.”

Rangers were 2nd in the NPFL super 4, and also lost to Fc Ifeanyi Ubah in the NFF charity cup on Wednesday evening 4-3 on penalties.

Imama would surely want to kick start the season with a win and charge his boys to get a win.

Abia warriors also have a good manager in Coach Okey Emordi, who
they have entrusted to take them to the top this season having finished 14th last season.

They have signed a lot of players like goalkeeper MosesEcheje (Enyimba), Abiodun Adebayo(Niger Tornadoes), Amanfor Chimezie(Rangers), Dele Olorundare(Sunshine stars), Adetunji Sunday(Shooting stars). Paul Onobi also back from Finland to join Abia warriors. Adetunji Sunday was so happy to join up with Abia Warriors in the transfer.

“I joined Abia Warriors, because i see my destiny here and a huge chance to win the NPFL title here” Said Tunji.

“The management and old players have really helped me in settling down well, and i adapting to life here in my new team”

He further added: “My target is to beat my pasts records and contest for the Highest goal Scorer as well as win trophies here.

The striker scored 10 goals for 3SC last season scoring a brace in each of the five games he played. Such striker is a threat to defenders and NPFL defenders should be wary of Adetunji Sunday.

This match is a derby so it could anywhere, but goals surely is inevitable.
PREDICTION: ENUGU RANGERS 3-2 ABIA
WARRIORS