NPFL: Excited Maikaba Hopes To Consolidate On First Away Win (AUDIO)

Rangers coach Abdu Maikaba says he is very excited after the Flying Antelopes secured a hard-fought 2-1 away win against hosts Katsina United ‘despite the intimidation from the home team’, as the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) got underway.

Forwards Chidiebere Nwobodo and Ossy Martins scored either side of halftime to hand the 7-time league champions, who finished the game with 10 men following the expulsion of goalkeeper Saidu Mutawakilu, a flying start.

The win is the first for Rangers under the former Akwa United gaffer, who took over the reins from Salisu Yusuf last month.

Rangers will next face Enyimba on Boxing Day (26 December) in an Oriental Derby, and the ex- Plateau United coach says he is hoping to consolidate on the win against Katsina United when they confront the People’s Elephant at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium.

“Actually, it was an exciting game,” the soft-spoken tactician said after the match. “My boys played so well and I’m very, very happy about the result.

“Despite the intimidation from the home team, I believe we were able to withstand it and at the end, we were able to win the game. I’m very happy for the first three points.

“I feel so excited, and I hope we consolidate by the next game (against Enyimba). We’ll try our very best to make sure that we win our second game at home.”