Wild Celebrations As Rangers Win League

Rangers captain Okey Odita (left) receiving the Premier League trophy from the Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick (centre) at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu …on Sunday. Photo: LMC

Enugu Rangers’ 4-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their last day of the Premier League at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, sparked wild celebrations in the Coal City on Sunday.

The Punch report continues:

The win helped the Enugu club win the tournament they last won the title 32 years ago.

A hat-trick from Chisom Egbuchulam and a goal from Osas Okoro gave the Enugu side the triumph at the stadium, which stands were filled to capacity.

The Flying Antelopes finished on 63 points from 36 matches, three points ahead of runners-up Rivers United, who beat Akwa United 2-1.

A large crowd gathered outside the stadium, where some fans watched the match on a giant television screen.

Vehicles were barred from the road leading to the stadium, a development which allowed football fans to converge on the street under the watchful eyes of the police.

The celebrations, which commenced even before the match, became more pronounced as Rangers took an early lead.

Certain that their 32-year wait for the league title was all but over, the supporters turned the occasion into a carnival as Rangers added three more goals.

Different entertainment groups, including masquerades and other traditional music outfits, performed as the match went on.

The crowd, as well as the entertainment troupes, literally went wild after the final whistle.

But our correspondent observed that the merriment was nearly marred by a critical injury sustained by a Rangers player, Ifeanyi Egwim, towards the end of the match.

The player was rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention just before the referee blew the final whistle.

The sad expression on the faces of his teammates affected the mood of the crowd, as people worried about the extent of the injury.

But the celebrations continued, as fans trooped out of the stadium at the end of the match.

After the match, our correspondent also observed large crowds at various bars, open gardens and other drinking joints in Enugu metropolis.

In some of the bars, the customers were seen singing and dancing as they celebrated the victory.

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other government officials watched the match.

Rangers, who were founded in 1970, had won the league in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982 and 1984. They have now become joint record winners with Enyimba, who won their seventh title last season.

The Enugu side took the lead in the second minute from the penalty spot after Egbuchulam converted following an El-Kanemi player’s handling of the ball.

El-Kanemi fought back to equalize but could not make progress as Rangers doubled their lead in the 42nd minute following a crisp ball movement by the champions.

But Rangers extended their lead in the 64th minute when Egbuchulam scored following another crisp movement from counter-attack.

El-Kanemi were reduced in the 89th minute after goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen was red-carded following a rash challenge on Egwim. However, Egbuchulam got his hat-trick in the 90th minute after converting the resultant penalty.

Lagos club MFM survived relegation after defeating   IfeanyiUbah 1-0 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Warri Wolves, Heartland, Ikorodu United and Giwa were relegated from the Premier League. Wolves’ 1-0 over Ikorodu United could not save them as they finished with lower goal difference to MFM on the log while Heartland drew 1-1 with Plateau United in Jos.