Rangers International FC of Enugu Thursday defeated visiting Nasarawa United FC 1-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 13 in Nnewi.
Christian Nnaji scored the only goal of the match for the home team in the 61st minute of the encounter held at the FC Ifeanyiubah Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Rangers’ Assistant Coach Mbwas Mangut said the result was fair to his team since they picked the maximum point at stake.
“We are much more interested in the points and it is pleasing to have secured them as we go to the next game.
“I think there were lapses here and there at the beginning but we got into the game and are happy with the result.
“Our players started the match a bit organised but lost control when our opponent changed the tempo of the game with long balls through the wings.
“At that point, the game became difficult for us.
“After the interval, we let the players know the importance of sticking to our style of play,” Mangut said
He said that getting back to their style of play after the interval “worked the magic” and yielded the only goal of the match.
He further said that the players were a bit slow in transition from the back upfront but happy that the goal came on time and helped the players to settle into the game.
“This win is a way forward for us. We climbed up the league log and that we will keep doing until we reach our target for the season.
“Rivers United game would be a tough one like every other game, so we are going to approach it like any other game because the club is also in contention for the top.
“With what we are doing, I think we will get it right in Port Harcourt and we are positive about the game,” Mangut said.
Also, Coach Bala Nikyu of Nasarawa United said “the match has been played and lost”, adding that losing to an opponent like Rangers FC by 1-0 was not a bad result.
“The game has been played and a slim loose was not too bad against a team like Rangers FC in their adopted home.
“As you all know, the league is still on and definitely, if you do not get a good result, you must go and prepare well for the next match,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the outcome, Rangers FC moved to third position on the league table with 23 points, while Nasarawa United remained at the 11th with 17 points.