Rangers International sit sixth on the Nigeria Premier Football League table, a familiar position for a club whose history far outweighs its recent consistency. The Coal City Flying Antelopes remain one of Nigeria’s most traditional sides, yet their potential still feels largely unfinished.
Champions in the 2023–2024 season, Rangers endured a difficult title defence last term, finishing a disappointing tenth. This campaign, however, suggests a clear recovery. With the right reinforcements in the coming weeks, Rangers could realistically push into the top three by the end of the season.
In goal, Lucky Abdullahi Jimoh and George Abine have rotated the number one shirt. Both are reliable, old-school Nigerian goalkeepers, but neither has truly stood out. Goalkeeping remains steady rather than spectacular.
At full-back, Rangers boast real quality. The left-back pairing of Evans Iyebi Ogbonda and Kenneth Obinna Igboke is arguably the strongest in the NPFL, offering balance, energy and consistency. On the right, Chibueze Calistus Oputa and Joel Odah share duties, with Oputa emerging as the more intriguing option after an impressive spell at Solution FC last season.
Central defence has been anchored by the outstanding Chidozie Iwundu. Rock-solid at the back, he has also contributed five goals, making him one of the team’s most influential players. He has partnered Daniel Monday or Austin Opara, though the club may still look to add another centre-back for depth and stability.
In midfield, youthful defensive midfielder Ikechukwu Mgbemene has impressed with his intelligence on the ball, tidy passing and positional awareness. Ahead of him, Kenechukwu Agu continues to pull the strings. The midfield maestro is among Rangers’ best performers and remains a major threat from set-pieces. Assurance Ifeanyi plays a key role in linking midfield to attack, while Wisdom Ebirim and Ugochukwu Ugwuoke provide useful cover.
Up front, Godwin Obaje remains the focal point. The NPFL legend continues to lead the line with strength and experience and could reach the remarkable milestone of 275 league appearances this season. He is supported by the electric Chidiebere Nwobodo on the right wing, one of the standout players in the league. On the left, Waheed Adebayo has struggled to convince, while Chimobi Igwilo has shown promise when given opportunities.
Rangers’ scoring has been shared across the pitch, with Obaje leading the charts on six goals, followed closely by defender Iwundu on five and Agu on three.
With stability returning and quality evident in key areas, Rangers International look well placed to reassert themselves as genuine title contenders if they strengthen wisely.
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