Godwin Obaje. Photo Credit: Rangers media
Rangers International delivered a thrilling attacking performance to defeat Warri Wolves 4-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, climbing to fourth place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table after matchday 22.
The Flying Antelopes wasted no time asserting dominance, opening the scoring just 58 seconds after kick-off. Wisdom Ebirim’s long throw unsettled the Wolves defence, allowing Godwin Obaje to rise unchallenged and head past Joke Efevwera for his seventh league goal of the season.
Rangers maintained relentless early pressure. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo carved through the Wolves backline within five minutes before setting up Anthony Chinemerem, whose curling effort narrowly missed the target. Moments later, Efevwera was forced into a superb save to deny Ikechukwu Mgbemena from distance.
The pressure told again in the 11th minute as Obaje headed home his second goal from a corner, taking his tally to eight and moving him clear as the NPFL 2025/2026 leading scorer, ahead of Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf.
Warri Wolves gradually found their footing and threatened through Oriji Chisom, whose curling effort was comfortably saved by Abine George after Justus Ohanu’s build-up play. Ohanu later supplied a corner that Ademola Adebambo headed wide in the 28th minute.
Rangers continued to create chances, with Nwobodo firing wide after another driving run, while George produced a fine save to deny Ohanu at close range after a defensive lapse.
Obaje missed a gilt-edged chance to complete a first-half hat-trick when he failed to convert from point-blank range following another incisive Nwobodo delivery. Chidozie Iwundu later tested his luck with a free kick that sailed over the bar.
Warri Wolves began the second half with renewed intensity and were rewarded in the 56th minute when substitute Israel Oladeji struck a spectacular effort from outside the box to reduce the deficit.
Oladeji came close to scoring again soon after, but George reacted sharply to preserve Rangers’ lead as Wolves pressed for an equaliser.
Rangers regained control in the 71st minute when Kenneth Igboke’s cross was controlled by Chinedu Onah before falling kindly to substitute Igwilo Chimobi, who curled home calmly to restore the two-goal cushion.
Six minutes later, Rangers put the game beyond doubt with a swift counter-attack. Mgbemena initiated the move before releasing Igwilo, who raced through and finished clinically to claim his second goal and Rangers’ fourth.
Warri Wolves scored a late consolation from the penalty spot, with Seth Mayi converting confidently after the visitors were awarded a spot kick, but it proved insufficient to change the outcome.
The victory lifts Rangers International to fourth place with 36 points, while Warri Wolves drop to 10th on 30 points.
Rangers next face Plateau United away in Jos, while Warri Wolves return to Ozoro to host Remo Stars.