Fidelis Ilechukwu Laments ‘Two Points Dropped’ as Rangers Settle for Goalless Draw Against Bendel Insurance.
Rangers International FC head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has labeled his team’s 0-0 draw against Bendel Insurance on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as a missed opportunity, describing it as “two points dropped” in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign. The match, which took place on matchday 32 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, saw both teams battle fiercely but ultimately fail to find the back of the net. SoccerBaba.com brings you an in-depth look at this NPFL clash, including key moments, player performances, and what the result means for Rangers’ season.
Match Recap: Rangers Hold Bendel Insurance in a Tense Stalemate
The 2024/2025 NPFL season has been a rollercoaster for Rangers International FC, and their latest outing against Bendel Insurance was no exception. Playing away in Benin City, the Enugu-based side secured a hard-earned point in a goalless draw that left fans and analysts with plenty to dissect. Despite the clean sheet, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu couldn’t hide his disappointment, believing his team had the quality to claim all three points.
“It was a good match overall,” Ilechukwu said in a post-match interview. “We came to Benin City fully prepared to win, and we played with that intent. But settling for a draw feels like two points dropped. We’re not satisfied, and we’ll keep pushing to end the season on a high note.” His comments reflect Rangers’ ambition to climb the NPFL table as the season nears its climax.
The game itself was a tactical chess match, with both Rangers and Bendel Insurance creating opportunities but lacking the finishing touch. Bendel Insurance, buoyed by their home crowd, controlled possession in the first half, probing Rangers’ defense with patient build-up play. However, the visitors’ backline, marshaled with discipline and resilience, stood tall to neutralize the threat.
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Rangers nearly broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when midfielder Isaac Saviour stepped up for a free-kick just outside the box. His thunderous effort sailed inches wide of the post, leaving the Insurance goalkeeper rooted to the spot and the crowd holding its breath. It was a moment that hinted at Rangers’ potential to turn the game in their favor.
Second Half Surge: Rangers Push but Can’t Break Through
After the interval, Rangers shifted gears, taking control of the game and piling pressure on Bendel Insurance in the final third. The attacking partnership of Frank Uwumiro and Godwin Obaje came alive, showcasing their chemistry with quick exchanges and intelligent movement. Just five minutes into the second half, Uwumiro latched onto a through ball and fired a low shot that forced a smart save from the Insurance goalkeeper.
The duo combined again in the 75th minute, with Uwumiro delivering a pinpoint cross to Obaje in the box. However, the striker mistimed his effort, failing to connect cleanly with the ball as the chance went begging. It was a golden opportunity that summed up Rangers’ day—plenty of promise but no end product.
Late in the game, Ilechukwu turned to his bench, introducing teenage sensation Chimobi Igwilo. The youngster injected fresh energy into Rangers’ attack, troubling the Insurance defense with his pace and directness. Igwilo came close to snatching a dramatic winner on three occasions, including a curling shot in the 88th minute that narrowly missed the target. Despite his impact, Bendel Insurance’s resolute defending ensured the scoreline remained 0-0.
Key Performances and Tactical Takeaways
For Rangers, Isaac Saviour’s set-piece threat and Frank Uwumiro’s dynamism were standout features, though their inability to convert chances highlighted a need for sharper finishing. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, leaned on their defensive organization, with their backline holding firm under sustained pressure. The home side’s lack of cutting edge in attack mirrored Rangers’ struggles, resulting in a stalemate that satisfied neither camp.
The draw leaves Rangers with 46 points from 32 matches, keeping them in contention for a top-half finish in the NPFL standings. Bendel Insurance also move to 46 points, maintaining their mid-table position as both teams eye a strong end to the 2024/2025 campaign.
Ilechukwu’s Perspective: A Season Still in the Balance
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s post-match reflections underscore the high standards he’s set for Rangers this season. While a point away from home is rarely disastrous, the coach’s frustration stems from his belief that his squad has the quality to dominate games like this. With several matches remaining, Rangers remain focused on securing maximum points to bolster their league position.
“We’ll take the positives from this game—the clean sheet, the effort, the chances we created,” Ilechukwu added. “But we know we can do better. Our focus now shifts to the next challenge as we aim to finish the season strongly.”
What’s Next for Rangers and Bendel Insurance?
Both teams will now turn their attention to the President Federation Cup 2025, with the round of 16 fixtures scheduled for April 16 in Lagos. The cup competition offers a chance for redemption and silverware, and Rangers will hope to carry their attacking momentum into that clash. In the NPFL, their next league fixture will be another test of their resolve as they look to convert draws into wins.
For Bendel Insurance, the draw against Rangers is a building block, but they’ll need to sharpen their attack to climb higher in the table. The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium faithful will expect more goals as the season progresses.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity for Rangers
The goalless draw in Benin City was a tale of two teams with plenty of fight but not enough finesse. For Rangers International FC, it’s a result that stings—a case of “two points dropped,” as Fidelis Ilechukwu aptly put it. As the NPFL season heats up, every point matters, and Rangers will need to find their scoring boots to turn promising performances into victories.
Stay tuned to SoccerBaba.com for the latest NPFL updates, match recaps, and expert analysis as the 2024/2025 season unfolds!
