Remo Stars’ technical adviser, Daniel Ogunmodede, has attributed his team’s 2-1 defeat to Rangers in Sunday’s NPFL matchday 24 fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, to ill luck, Completesports.com reports.
Isaac Saviour scored on the half-hour mark as Rangers went in front before the break. Kingsley Maduforo doubled the Flying Antelopes’ advantage three minutes after the restart, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead. However, just two minutes before the final whistle, Sikiru Alimi reduced the deficit for the league leaders.
Ogunmodede said he was pleased that both teams thrilled the fans with quality football but lamented that his team lacked luck on the day.
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“It was a good game, and I’m happy we were able to give the spectators a good reason to come and watch the match,” said Ogunmodede, a Super Eagles assistant coach.
“Rangers had to fight for their lives. They are the current champions, and you can imagine what it takes or looks like to dethrone a champion. You need to do it in the most difficult way, so I salute their courage.
“They fought so hard like a team battling against relegation, and I must be sincere with you—it was a good contest considering how the game unfolded.
“We had our fair share of chances but didn’t take them. They got theirs in the first half through a wonderful free-kick from (Isaac) Saviour.
“And just when we were trying to settle down in the second half, they got their second goal, which gave them a lot of confidence and helped them secure the game.
“We had hoped to come here and win, but unfortunately, we were not lucky enough, and we lost.”
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Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars were unbeaten in eight matches going into Sunday’s crunch clash against the seven-time Nigerian champions.
Despite having his team’s winning streak halted by the Flying Antelopes, Ogunmodede said he was not concerned about the end of their unbeaten run but was rather pleased that his side remained top of the standings.
“I went into the dressing room and checked the league table—Remo Stars are still eight points clear at the top. That’s what matters to me, not the unbeaten run,” Ogunmodede.
“Remember, Rangers had an eight-game unbeaten streak this season, yet they are still fourth on the table. So, it’s not about the number of unbeaten games we have; what matters is our position on the table.”
By Sab Osuji
