Rangers surrendered an unbeaten run in their last six away matches to a lone strike by Nyima Nwagua in a 1-0 defeat to Rivers United.
It was a result that restored Rivers United to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings, at least until Wednesday when they hope Gombe United can do them a favour by beating Plateau United.
While Rivers United celebrated their win, Rangers captain Tope Olusesi told reporters after the game that the loss was a painful one for his side.
“It’s a painful one for us because we’ve not lost an away game since the beginning of the season and losing here brings bad feelings because we thought we had every opportunity to get a point in this game.
“Notwithstanding, we’ll still make efforts to do more in our next games. It has been an up and down season for us so far but we are determined to make efforts to ensure we get to our destined position because we are determined to get to the top two.
“With the loss today, we wouldn’t stop thinking positive and I believe we will get there,” said the experienced right back.
It was a result that ensured that the constant change at the summit of the NPFL continued on Sunday as Rivers United displaced Plateau United which toppled them last matchday after the Port Harcourt side’s draw with Abia Warriors midweek.
Nwagua was on hand to tap Chijioke Akuneto’s pass to an empty net in the 61st minute after Morice Chukwu’s free-kick had rebounded off the woodwork.
Rangers goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu was at his best in the game as he denied the hosts on several occasions but his best was not enough to prevent the solitary goal.
Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma was a relieved man after the win, admitting that his side expected such a tough contest from the Flying Antelopes.
“We expected this kind of opposition from Rangers because it’s a game that involves two Southern teams, especially teams that are contending for the title.
