By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Still in the state of mourning over the demise of the club’s icon player, coach and administrator, Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, whose passing to the great beyond was announced on Saturday, Rangers International of Enugu today (Sunday) lost by two goals to nil to bitter rivals Heartland Football Club of Owerri in their much-advertised Oriental Derby played at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Two goals in each half scored by Suraju Lawal in the 21′, and another by Isaac Nassy in the 48′ were just enough for the Naze Millionaires who are hard-pressed for vital points needed to defeat host Rangers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 crucial match.
By this resounding victory, Heartland has climbed out of the relegation zone momentarily as the club moved up to the 16th position, although it has the same 41 points as Nasarawa United on 17th position as the league is gradually coming to an end.
Conversely, Rangers International’s hope of qualifying for the continental football has suffered a massive setback as the Flying Antelopes have dropped to the 8th position with 46 points.
Following the death of the club’s icon, Chukwu, on Saturday, the public expected the Oriental Derby to be postponed in honour of the former Rangers International’s captain and coach and Green Eagles captain.
But the management of the home club and the NPFL did not think it was wise to put off the match even as the Owerri Landlords have arrived Enugu a day earlier.
The Emmanuel Amuneke tutored team have now won two matches consecutively with the same 2-0 scoreline after thrashing Kano Pillars 2-0 last week in Owerri.
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