NPFL: Rangers lament defeat by Plateau United as Remo Stars state readiness for run-in

Rangers’ technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has said that his team will re-strategise ahead of their next league match against Bendel Insurance.

The reigning league champions will face Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City next week.

The Flying Antelopes suffered a setback in their bid to secure a continental ticket following a 1-0 home defeat to Plateau United on Thursday.

Ilechukwu stated that while the players performed well, they failed to convert their chances.

“The game against Plateau United was one of our best performances so far, but in terms of converting chances, it was one of our worst. That is what makes football what it is,” Ilechukwu said in a post-match interview.

“We’ve lost, so we congratulate Plateau United for getting the win here. We will go back home and restrategise for the next game.”

Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede has said his team is ready for the run-in of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League title as they aim to protect their eight-point lead with seven games remaining.

The Sky Blue Stars steered clear of other contenders on Thursday following a 2-0 win over nine-time champions Enyimba in Ikenne.

Olamilekan Adedayo and Samson Olasupo scored in either half to secure the 19th win of the season for Ogunmodede’s side on his return from international duty with the Super Eagles.

The Sky Blue Stars now have 60 points after 30 games this season, and they could extend their eight-point lead ahead of Rivers United by the time they play their outstanding fixture against struggling Lobi Stars.

But first, they will travel to Port Harcourt to face the second-placed team, Rivers United, in a potential title decider.

“One of the performances I required from them. Playing against Enyimba and considering the position they are, you sound expect what the match would look like,” Ogunmodede said after the win.

“I am happy we have the three points and keep the eight-point gap.

“Like I said before, the fewer the games are, the tougher it becomes.

We will give a fight in every game. Every game is important regardless of the position of our opponents, and the next game won’t be different.”

Remo Stars are pushing for the first NPFL title in the club’s history.

They have come agonisingly close to winning the title in the last two seasons, losing to Enyimba and Rangers International, respectively.vv