Rangers International captain, Chinemerem Ugwueze, is confident that the Coal City Flying Antelopes have what it takes to retain the NPFL title, Completesports.com reports.
The seven-time champions claimed their seventh domestic league trophy last season, earning the right to represent Nigeria in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.
However, the South East glamour team did not fare much better in the continental competition, as they were knocked out in the last preliminary round by Angolan side, Sagrada FC, 2-1 on aggregate.
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The 23-year-old central midfielder believes they are once again poised for a title challenge, aiming to secure a return to continental football.
“Yes, we can. It’s a huge possibility. We’re working towards that, even though the season is still young. That’s our target, so we can return to the continent again,” the Flying Antelopes captain exclusively told Completesports.com when asked if his team could replicate their recent success and retain the NPFL title.
“As a player, I will be glad to lift the trophy again.”
Ugwueze expressed satisfaction with the point earned by his team against Akwa United on Monday, stating that they will build on it in future matches.
“We’re happy with the point we got at Akwa United. Our target was to win, but a draw wasn’t a bad result.
“We can only build on that and move forward in subsequent games, whether home or away.”
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Rangers currently sit 8th in the NPFL standings with 11 points, 9 points behind leaders Rivers United, who have 20 points. Remo Stars are second with 18 points, while Enyimba are third with 14 points heading into this weekend’s matchday-9 fixtures.
Rangers will conclude their first-round double away fixtures with a trip to Kwara United this weekend for a matchday-9 clash.
Meanwhile, leaders Rivers United will host El-Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba will welcome Ikorodu City, and Heartland will play at home against Remo Stars.
The Rangers skipper is optimistic about their trip to Kwara United.
“We’re on the road now, heading to training. We’re working hard to ensure we get good results in our upcoming games,” he concluded.
By Sab Osuji
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