By Ikenna Nwokedi
Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday, 28th May 2023 booked a ticket into the semi finals of the ongoing 2023 NFF/Tingo Federations Cup.
Chidiebere Nwobodo’s brilliant finish in the 80th minute at the Akure Township Stadium, Ondo State, was all that was required for the flying antelopes to set up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Plateau United who earlier saw off their opponents Kwara United by a lone goal in a match played at the Goal Project 3 pitch, Area 3 Abuja.
An elated Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Abdu Maikaba eulogized his lads for the display stating that the result was a product of determination, team spirit and hard work.
“Am excited with the result today as we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we fought from the beginning to the end in order to achieve the desired result and we are happy to have qualified for the semifinals of the biggest and oldest football competition in the land.
“We had planned for this game to the extreme, even to the point of deciding our penalty takers should the match get to that extent. I must give kudos to Doma United as they are a very good side seeing how they performed all through the season even though they are new comers to the premier league,” Maikaba said.
Maikaba stated that the upcoming semifinal fixture will be tough and they have to go back and strategize and get ready for the cracker.
“The next match is going to be another ball game entirely, we have to go back strategize and get ready for our next opponent because we know it will be tough and we want to win the match,” Maikaba stated.
In other matches, Bendel Insurance saw off Sunshine Stars by a lone goal in a match played at the Awka City Stadium and will now square up against Warri Wolves in the Semi Finals after the latter saw off Lobi Stars by a similar scoreline in a clash played the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
