Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has vowed that his side will continue pushing to end the 2024/25 season on a high, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in the Round of 16 of the President's Federation Cup, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
In a tense encounter played on Wednesday evening at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, Godwin Obaje emerged the hero, calmly converting a penalty on the stroke of halftime. The spot kick was awarded after the striker was brought down in the box by Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba.
The win sees the Flying Antelopes book a place in the quarter-finals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition, setting up an exciting showdown with Plateau United.
Reacting after the match, Ilechukwu praised the quality of the opposition and commended his team’s resilience.
“It was a great game for both sides. I expected a tough game from our opponents, and they showed the stuff they are made of. But we dug deep to get the desired win, and we give God all the glory,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Rangers gaffer emphasized the importance of staying focused for the remainder of the season.
“We keep fighting and working on our team going into the last matches of the NPFL and the remaining games of the Federation Cup. We are still positive going into the end of the season.”
The date and venue for the quarter-final clash with Plateau United will be announced by the competition organizers.