Rangers Kick Off Title Defence with El-Kanemi Warriors Clash
The Nigeria Premier Football League is back in action, and reigning champions Rangers will begin their title defence against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Saturday.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men will be hoping to replicate the success of the last two champions, Enyimba and Rivers United, who both started their title defence with a winning performance. Rangers, the eighth-time champions, will aim to go one step further by becoming the first club to win back-to-back titles in a decade since Kano Pillars achieved the feat in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Despite losing some key players from last season, Rangers have recruited well and will enter the game as overwhelming favourites. However, they will need to improve on their unconvincing performance in their CAF Champions League win over US Zilimadjou of Comoros to start the new season on a positive note.
El-Kanemi Warriors, on the other hand, are back in the top flight after spending a few seasons in the Nigeria National League (NNL). They will be looking to make a statement by claiming at least a draw in the game and proving their worth in the competitive Premier League.
The highly anticipated clash is set to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a strong start to the season. Will Rangers’ experience and talent be enough to secure a win, or will El-Kanemi Warriors cause an upset? Only time will tell.
Match Details:
- Date: Saturday
- Time: [TBA]
- Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
- Teams: Rangers vs. El-Kanemi Warriors
