Rangers international defender Ifeanyi Nweke says he is ‘very, very happy’ to score his first goal for the Flying Antelopes, who ran out 4-1 winners against struggling Sunshine Stars in Enugu on Sunday.

Nweke netted the opener after just four minutes, before goals from Israel Abia, Godspower Aniefiok and Christian Nnaji sealed a comfortable win for Salisu Yusuf’s side against the Owena Whales, who got their consolation after Ifegwu Ojukwu converted from the spot, seven minutes into the second half.

After the encounter, former Rivers United and Kano Pillars right-back Nweke said his teammates foresaw an ‘easy game’ against relegation-threatened Sunshine Stars and worked hard for the result.

“I am very, very happy,” the 23-year-old former Nasarawa United defender said. “First of all, I have to thank God for my first goal for Enugu Rangers.

“And with the spirit in the camp, I knew it was going to be a very easy game for us.

“We’ve worked hard and we were prepared. We knew the importance of the game.

“All the departments – from defence to attack, we were compact, and played collectively as a team. It made the game very easy for us.”

The win moved 7-time NPFL champions Rangers to 6th on the standings, with 42 points from 26 matches, having a game against oriental rivals Enyimba in hand.

And ahead of Wednesday’s outstanding game against the People’s Elephant in Aba, Nweke says Rangers will be going for victory in what he described as a ‘difficult game’.

“I believe it’s an oriental derby, and Enyimba versus Rangers is always a big game,” he added.

“And we believe it will be a very difficult game, but we are going all out because we want to be in the continent next season. We know what is at stake, and we really want to go there and win, and at least get something out of the game.”