Okpala not Rangers coach

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Enugu Rangers have denied hiring former Nigerian international and Super Eagles assistant coach, Sylvanus Okpala. Unconfirmed report has it that the Nigerian champions have recruited Okpala to steer the ship of the Flying Antelopes in place of sacked manager, Imama Amapakabo. Amapakabo was asked out after his side were held to 2-2 draw by the Zambian top-flights, Zesco United in Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup play-off clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. The director of media of the Coal City side, Foster Chime said management has not considered any coach for the vacant position left behind by Imama Amapakabo. “It’s not true that we have hired coach Sylvanus Okpala or any other coach for the position left behind by Imama Amapakabo. “I’m sure people are trying to link his presence in Enugu during the match to a possible takeover at Rangers following the sacking of former coach, Imama Amapakabo. “Same people forgot or do not know that Okpala is from Enugu though his family resides in Lagos. “Right now the chief coach, Chukwuma Agbo has been asked to step in to take charge of the team. “That’s the true position of things right now in the team except something else crops up in the days ahead,” said Chime to supersport.com. The Nigerian champions have a crucial date with the Southern African side, Zesco United at the weekend in the reverse fixture of the Confederation Cup clash expected to hold at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia. Rangers need an outright win or score draw higher than the two-goal apiece in the first fixture to stay afloat in the Africa’s second tier club competition.