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It's service time at the Cathedral in Enugu as NPFL champions Rangers host FA Cup winners El-Kanemi Warriors in the League's opener.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to kick off its 2024/2025 season with a mouthwatering clash between two of Nigeria's finest, Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors.
Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, are set to host FA Cup winners El-Kanemi in what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser at the iconic Cathedral in Enugu.
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Date, Time, and Venue
Date: Saturday, 31/08/2024.
Time: 4 pm
Venue: The Cathedral, Enugu
Rangers vs El-Kanemi: The Super Cup That Isn't
While not officially billed as such, this season opener has all the makings of a Super Cup encounter.
It's a battle of silverware holders - the league champions versus the cup winners. The stage is set for a showcase of Nigerian football at its finest.
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Ahead of the encounter, the man who led Rangers to their first title in eight years, Fidelis Ilechukwu, is under no illusions about the task at hand:
"It's going to be a very tough match for both teams,” Ilechukwu stated per a post from the league’s official handle.
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“El-Kanemi have a very strong team. I watched their games on the continent & you'd agree with me that they have a very strong team. We have our game plan."
The visiting coach, Aliyu Zubairu, is equally prepared for the challenge against the eight-time champions of the NPFL.
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"We're going to give Rangers a good fight & get something from the match. I respect Rangers because they've been busy signing top players but that won't dim our ambition as a club."
The Numbers Game
Statistics favour the home side heavily: Rangers have not conceded in their last nine home league meetings against El-Kanemi Warriors.
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The Flying Antelopes have won all nine games, with the aggregate score over these matches? A staggering 16-0 in Rangers' favour
Rangers will be looking to build on their success from last season by kicking off their title defence on a good note - with a statement victory against their visitors.
A win for Ilechukwu and his Flying Antelopes will see them emulate predecessors, Enyimba and Rivers United, who both began their title defences with victories.
However, the Enugu-based club has loftier ambitions. They aim to become the first club in a decade to win back-to-back NPFL titles
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More Than Just Three Points
As the Cathedral in Enugu prepares to host this clash of champions, it's clear that more than just three points are at stake.
It's about setting the tone for the season, asserting dominance, and taking the first step towards historic back-to-back titles for Rangers.
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Will Rangers' home fortress remain impregnable? Or will El-Kanemi Warriors pull off a stunning upset to announce their title intentions? One thing's for certain - Nigerian football fans are in for a treat as the NPFL kicks off in style!
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