Rangers International FC of Enugu has suspended its coach, Imama Amakapabo, following the club’s poor run of form in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The suspension was handed down to the coach immediately Rangers played out a disappointing 2-2 draw against Zesco United of Zambia on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe in Enugu, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup competition.
The Flying Antelope had led 2-0 courtesy of Chibuzo Madu and Osazu Okoro’s goals, before the Zambians equalised less than 30 minutes before time.
General Manager of Rangers, Christian Chukwu, told reporters after the match that the Flying Antelopes “lost” the match against Zesco from the bench.
“We lost the match due to the kind of changes effected during the game. The Coach has been told to step aside for now because everybody is angry,” Chukwu said.
Rangers, who is the reigning NPFL champions, was eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Egypt’s Zamalek, who won their fixtures 5-3 on aggregate. Rangers had to drop down to the qualifying stages for the second-tier Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, players of Akwa United FC were attached by Kano Pillars fans after the NPFL match, which saw the home team losing 0-1 to the visitors.
Christian Piabana broke the heart of Kano football fans as he scored the only goal.
Immediately after the game, Pillars’ supporters crowded the referees and pelted them with stones and dangerous weapons. The police had to use tear gas to disperse the rampaging crowd as several cars were damaged.
In a related development, the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Football Club (MFM) has recorded the biggest win in the week 18 of the NPFL, after beating rivals El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 3-0 at the Agege Stadium in, Lagos.
Stephen Eke scored one of the goals to increase his goal tally to 14.
Amos Gabriel scored in the 89th minutes to give ABS football club a 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists beat Gombe United 3-1. Shooting Stars of Ibadan were 2-1 better than Niger Tornadoes, while Sunshine Stars edged Remo Stars 1-0 at the Akure Township Stadium. The game between Lobi Stars and Ifeanyi Ubah ended goalless.
Rivers United at home beat Abia Warriors 1-0, even as Katsina United secured a 2-1 victory over Enyinba FC of Aba.
Reports from Katsina say Enyiba’s players were attached by Katsina United fans after the game.
By Felix Simire
