NPFL Matchday 19: Rangers defeat Lobi Stars in eight-goal thriller

Rangers International FC kept up the pressure on the leading pack in the NPFL at the halfway point of the season with a 5-3 win over struggling Lobi Stars in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash.

Just before their Matchday 19 clash, Rangers had moved to the newly completed Awka City Stadium in Anambra, where their home fixtures will be played for the foreseeable future. They were up against Lobi Stars, who recently parted ways with coach Eddy Dombraye.

Rangers showed that they were not messing about in their new home as striker Ossy Martins won a penalty inside 10 minutes, and Kenechukwu Agu stepped up to slot home the resulting spotkick. Martins himself got in on the act in the 21st minute to make it 2-0 to the Flying Antelopes. The former Lobi Stars forward doubled his tally and made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Chidiebere Nwobodo joined in on the act just two minutes into the second half to further compound Lobi Stars’ woes and make it 4-0. Lobi Stars secured a lifeline after 57 minutes as Raphael Ayagwa scored from the spot. Joshua Akhabue added a second for the side nine minutes later to make it 4-2 before Agu dispelled any fears of a comeback with a goal in the 79th minute to make it 5-2. Douglas Achiv scored for Lobi Stars two minutes later to round off the scoring.

Dakkada FC ensured that they ended the first stanza of the season on a high with a 2-1 win at home over Niger Tornadoes in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash. Edidiong Ezekiel put the Chosen Ones ahead after only two minutes before Sunday Akinmoladun put the ball through his own net in the 15th minute to make it 2-0. Sani Rabiu pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 88th minute for Niger Tornadoes.

Katsina United claimed their first point in 21 away matches in the league with a 2-2 draw against Abia Warriors at the Okigwe Township Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 19 encounter. Mustapha Salisu opened the scoring for Katsina United after only 16 minutes before Valentine Odoh equalised for the home side after 25 minutes. Adebayo Waheed struck to put the Changi Boys in front again four minutes later, but Godwin Obama equalised once more for Abia Warriors in the 35th minute.

Heartland and MFM FC played out a goalless draw at the Dan Anyway Stadium in Owerri in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash.