Rangers striker Ifeanyi Egwim says he is extremely grateful to God after playing his first match since October, 2016 following a broken shin bone (tibia and fibula).

The former Rivers United (then Dolphins) forward broke his shin bone when he collided with El kanemi Warriors goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen on the final day of the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as Rangers thrashed the Maiduguri side 4-0 in Enugu to claim the title after a 32-year wait.

And on Wednesday, Egwim made his first appearance for the 7-time NPFL champions since sustaining the injury, coming on as a second half substitute to help Rangers beat Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin, their first away win of the season.

“First of all, I appreciate the God Almighty who made it possible for me to come back to the field,” Egwim said after the win against Kwara United on Wednesday. “I really thank God, it is not by my power or righteousness, but it is God that made me to be on my feet today to play my first game after how many years.

“For getting the first away victory for the team, I really appreciate God. I am so happy.”

Despite the win, Egwim admitted that Kwara United are a good side, adding that his team prevailed because of their ‘size’.

“Kwara United is a good team; they played well, but Rangers is a side that has character. We used our advantage of our size (to beat them).”

With the win, Rangers moved to top spot in Group A of the abridged NPFL with 24 points from 11 matches (still with 3 outstanding games).