But for the last-minute save by Enyimba Captain and Goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo, Enugu Rangers would have clinched the maximum three points against The People’s Elephant in their first meeting in the 2023/24 NPFL games showing live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes.
This Sunday, Enyimba will travel to The Cathedral Stadium in Enugu to challenge league leaders Enugu Rangers in the reverse fixture. This crucial showdown between 2022/23 league winners Enyimba, currently sitting second on the table, and Enugu Rangers could very well determine the fate of the NPFL title race.
However, Enyimba will be without their star keeper, Ojo, who has received a national call-up to the Super Eagles for the World Cup Qualifiers. Enugu Rangers will also miss their formidable defender, Kenneth Igboke, due to the same national duty. The match will air live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes this Sunday at 5 pm.
Enugu Rangers star wingback Kenneth Obinna Igboke. Photo: Instagram/Rangers
The first leg match was a testament to the intense rivalry between these two powerhouses. In the game’s dying seconds, Enugu Rangers’ Joel Odoh found himself with a golden opportunity to secure a victory. A perfectly timed through pass from the midfield sent Odoh one-on-one with the keeper, but Olorunleke’s lightning-fast reflexes denied him the winning goal.
With the absence of Igboke, Enugu Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will have to strategise on how to keep goal-scoring monster Chijioke Mbaoma at bay. Mbaoma currently leads the Golden Boot chart with fifteen goals.
The Oriental Derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba is usually a thriller.
The absence of Olorunleke and Igboke will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the match. Enugu Rangers will be playing on their home turf, which could give them an edge.
Meanwhile, 3rd-placed Remo Stars will be away at Lobi Stars in their Matchday 35 encounter. The match will air live on StarTimes’ Beta Sports channel 244 at 3 pm on Sunday. With their title aspirations still alive, Remo Stars head coach Daniel ‘Ijaball’ Ogunmodede has urged his players to maintain focus and determination as they enter this crucial match. Remo Stars are level on 59 points with Enyimba and just two points behind Enugu Rangers.
This weekend’s matches are set to be pivotal in the NPFL title race, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes that could determine the league champion.
