By Nicholas Obisike
Amobi Ezeaku, the Team Manager of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, on Tuesday said the club must continue to have the bragging rights over Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna.
Ezeaku told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the club was battle ready to maintain their superiority over Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
He said they would do this to also make up for lost grounds after losing against the MFM FC of Lagos.
NAN reports that Rangers will host Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday in Enugu.
The game is a rescheduled match for Rangers as a result of their ongoing campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ezeaku said Rangers have always been beating Niger Tornadoes, especially since 2016 in Enugu.
“We have been beating them in Enugu and getting draws at away against them. We did it in 2016 when we won the league and repeated it last season.
“This year we are taking them serious to ensure we keep having the upper hand and maintain the bragging rights over them.
“We are aware the match will not come easy for Rangers, but our players are working to ensure victory on Wednesday and all hands are on desk.
“We will not only win to make ourselves happy and proud, but to make the state and our supporters generally happy with entertaining football,’’ he said.
Speaking on the club’s performance so far in the 2018/2019 NPFL, the team manager expressed delight with the win over rivals Enyimba International FC of Aba.
“It was a great display by the players and we give God all the glory, because `Oriental derbies’ are always tough.
“Even though we fielded new players in the game, but we were able to come out victorious and in the league so far a draw and a win is not too bad.
“Michael Uchebo, Bobby Clement, Saka Paschal and a couple of others are good players and the new players gave their all in the two matches played in the league.
“I believe the club’s Technical Adviser and the General Manager saw something unique in these new players, and this made them to incorporate them into the team’s fold.’’
He pointed out that the club has been doing well in matches, especially on the continent where they have been unbeaten.
Ezeaku then expressed the hope this would continue with the help of the new players.
“We are playing on the continent, as well as the domestic league and the Aiteo/NFF Cup. So, any player coming into Rangers must be an addition and not to make up the number.
“Any player coming into Rangers must abide by the club’s philosophy, behave well in character, be physically fit and mentally tough, so as to withstand all that may come his way,” he said.(NAN)
