Enugu Rangers Assistant Coach, Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh, expressed his delight after the Coal City Flying Antelopes battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rivers United in Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 16 clash at the Cathedral, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,  describing the encounter as a “war” between two formidable sides, Completesports.com reports.

Chinemerem Ugwueze scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute, heading in Hilary Ekawu’s throw-in. The victory propelled Rangers to third place on the NPFL table, while Rivers United dropped to second.

Coach Ekeh, who has frequently represented Head Coach Fidelis ‘The Working One’ Ilechukwu in media duties, shared his elation at the result.

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“I must say I’m very, very happy with the outcome of the game,” said Ekeh, visibly thrilled. “We won 1-0, but I must confess it was a war we fought. Both teams are strong sides, but I’m happy that, at the end of the day, we were able to collect the three maximum points.”

Rangers were without three key players—defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and midfielders Isaac Saviour and Kazeem Ogunleye—who are currently in camp with the Super Eagles B team preparing for the CHAN qualifier against Ghana on December 22.

Despite their absence, Ekeh insisted the team had enough depth to secure the win.

“In my football dictionary, there’s nothing like ‘anybody out,” Ekeh explained. “Football is football. They are 11, and we are 11. That’s why we sign players—to play. The ones on the pitch played according to instructions. Though we missed a few chances, we converted one, and it was enough for victory.”

He also highlighted the team spirit within the squad. “Those outside the pitch were wishing those inside good luck. That’s football for you,” he added.

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Ekeh was magnanimous in victory, praising Rivers United and their coach, Finidi George.

“It was a 50-50 game. Rivers United were topping the table, so we had to go the extra mile in preparation. Besides, they have an experienced coach in Finidi George. It’s not easy rubbing technical shoulders with him. Rivers United is a very good team,” he said.

Sunday’s win extended Rangers’ unbeaten run to nine matches, a streak Ekeh is determined to prolong.

“We hope to stay positive going into our next game, which is away to Katsina United,” Ekeh stated. “This is our ninth match unbeaten, and we hope to keep it running.”

By Sab Osuji