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EuroMatch NPFL: ‘We Never Gave Up!’ — Fidelis Ilechukwu Hails Rangers’ Fighting Spirit, Reacts to Two Penalties Against Barau FC

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Rangers International Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has praised his players’ resilience and fighting spirit after the Flying Antelopes battled back to secure a dramatic 2-2 away draw against Barau FC in Kano during Matchday 8 of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The experienced tactician described the encounter as an important lesson in determination, insisting that his players demonstrated the character required to compete under difficult circumstances.

Read Also: EuroMatch NPFL: ‘Our Defending Is Very Disturbing’ — Salisu Yusuf Admits Shooting Stars Were Outplayed by Kun Khalifat

Rangers appeared destined for defeat after surrendering their first-half advantage, but a stoppage-time equaliser ensured the Enugu-based club returned home with a valuable point.

Speaking during his post-match assessment, Ilechukwu expressed satisfaction with his team’s refusal to surrender despite the challenges encountered during the game, Sports247 gathered.

“It’s a great game. Today teaches us that we don’t have to give up. When we were a goal down, we rallied together and got a point away from home,” Ilechukwu said.

Rangers took the lead in the 38th minute through Ifeanyi Okechukwu, putting the visitors in a promising position heading into the interval.

However, Barau FC responded strongly after the restart, with Joseph Atule converting a penalty in the 56th minute to restore parity.

The hosts completed their turnaround in the 68th minute when Aliyu Sugau converted another spot-kick, putting Rangers under pressure as the contest approached its closing stages.

With time running out, Rangers continued searching for an equaliser, and their persistence eventually paid off.

Chidiebere Nwobodo emerged as the visitors’ hero, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time to rescue a point and deny Barau FC a home victory.

Ilechukwu Reacts to Controversial Penalty Decisions

The two penalties awarded to Barau FC became a major talking point following the encounter.

However, Ilechukwu declined to directly criticise the officiating, acknowledging that the referee had the authority to make decisions during the match.

“I’m not the referee. It’s not my duty, but the referee has the final say on the penalties awarded to the home team,” he explained.

His response reflected a measured approach to the decisions, with the Rangers boss choosing instead to focus on his players’ determination to recover from a difficult situation

Beyond the result, Ilechukwu revealed that Rangers’ continental commitments and the absence of several important players had affected his team’s preparations.

According to the technical adviser, injuries and fatigue prevented some key members of the squad from travelling for the encounter.

“We have to face continental games. Some of our top players couldn’t be here because of injuries and fatigue, but the players available tried their best to secure an away draw,” he said.

The demanding schedule has placed additional pressure on the Rangers squad, making rotation and player recovery important considerations as the season progresses. Nevertheless, Ilechukwu was encouraged by the commitment displayed by those who featured against Barau FC.

Although Rangers were unable to secure maximum points, the dramatic nature of their comeback provided encouragement for the technical crew.

Recovering from a 2-1 deficit to claim a draw in stoppage time demonstrated the determination Ilechukwu wants his players to maintain throughout the campaign.

For Barau FC, the result represented a missed opportunity to secure all three points after overturning Rangers’ early advantage.

For the Flying Antelopes, however, the encounter reinforced the importance of persistence, particularly when facing difficult away assignments.

Ilechukwu’s message was unmistakable: regardless of injuries, fixture congestion or controversial decisions, Rangers must continue fighting until the final whistle.

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2027: 'APC most trustworthy friend you can have' – VP Shettima to Nigerians

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, pleaded with Nigerians to elect President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Shettima assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is the best friend they can ever have with Tinubu in office.

The Vice President spoke during the APC's presidential campaign rally in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

He also called on the people of the state to vote for Governor Bassey Otu and the party's candidates for the national and state assemblies.

Shettima said: "To the people of Cross rivers State, we have come to you again, we have come as the most trustworthy friends that you can ever have, these are not empty words. Over the past three years, you have shown us support and have resisted the lies and propaganda intended to misrepresent us, this is why we are here.

"We don't take this strong will for granted and so I bring you warm greetings from his Excellency, President Bola Tinubu. Good people of Cross Rivers State, what has brought us together is an alliance of progress, prosperity, opportunity, dignity, and this is the reason that we come before you with gratitude and conviction that must govern every decision that we take.

"You the people are the focus, and we are here today to seek renewed mandate for Tinubu as President of Nigeria, Governor Otu and members of the National Assembly and the Cross Rivers Assembly. We seek this opportunity to carry their workings to second terms, we are asking because authority belongs to the people, we are asking because those entrusted with authority must return with their account of stewardship and a programme worthy of trust, this is why we are here today.

"I stand before you today to ask you once again to renew the mandate of his Excellency, Tinubu as President of Nigeria and myself as Vice President and another term for Bassey Otu as Governor of Cross River State. Vote APC from top to bottom."

2027: ‘APC most trustworthy friend you can have’ – VP Shettima to Nigerians

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Plateau APC 2027 Campaign Council inaugurated today in Jos

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The inauguration, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, brought together party leaders, political stakeholders and campaign coordinators to begin mobilisation for the re-election of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as Governor Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo and APC candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats in Plateau State.

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Speaking at the event, Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the people of Plateau for their support, acknowledging that although his administration had recorded progress in key sectors, significant challenges remained.

He argued that his government deserved another term to consolidate ongoing projects and programmes, describing development as a continuous process that requires consistency.

“There is no government that ends everything. Every government is a relay. Our duty is not to make others look bad; it is to see how we can collectively make Plateau State look better,” he said.

On security, the Governor acknowledged persistent challenges but assured residents that his administration was pursuing sustained measures to protect lives and property.

He disclosed that plans were underway to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities, while announcing that another batch of retrained Operation Rainbow personnel would soon be commissioned alongside the deployment of at least 800 trained forest guards to vulnerable communities.

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Mutfwang urged residents to remain patient and support government efforts towards restoring peace across the state.

Addressing the economic situation, the Governor defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, noting that the country needed time to overcome longstanding fiscal and structural challenges.

He also highlighted interventions by his administration to ease the impact of economic hardship, including the introduction of Tin City Metro buses, revival of rail services within the metropolis, a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and a 300 per cent increase in student allowances.

He further acknowledged the benefits of the Federal Government’s student loan and scholarship programmes in supporting Plateau students in tertiary institutions.

On party unity and mobilisation, Mutfwang urged APC candidates and stakeholders to put aside political differences, embrace humility and work collectively towards the party’s success.

He stressed that electoral victories were determined at the grassroots, urging campaign council members to return to their respective wards, constituencies and local government areas to mobilise voters.

“The votes are in the polling unit. They are not in Jos. Everybody can only matter in the locality where you come from,” he stated.

The Governor also charged members to conduct campaigns with respect for political opponents, insisting that the party’s message should be communicated through constructive engagement, honesty and clear presentation of government policies and achievements.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Governorship Campaign Council, Sir Joseph N. Ari, KSM, KSS, OON, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the council.

Ari pledged that the campaign would be driven by discipline, teamwork, effective coordination and responsibility, assuring that the council would adopt an issue-based approach devoid of bitterness and political acrimony.

He commended the Governor’s “Time Is Now” policy direction, particularly its emphasis on unity, mutual respect and development, describing peaceful coexistence as essential to the state’s progress.

The campaign DG disclosed that the council had received expressions of support from 115 support groups, in addition to solidarity visits and assurances from traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other organised groups.

He, however, emphasised the need for collective participation and strategic engagement with communities across the state to achieve the party’s objectives.

Ari also called on party supporters and residents to turn out en masse on November 14, 2026, to welcome President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other national party leaders during their scheduled visit to Plateau State.

In his remarks, the Plateau State APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, described the inauguration as a significant step towards building a coordinated political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bature emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation, loyalty, effective communication and accountability, noting that the party’s electoral success would depend largely on the strength of its structures across polling units.

He charged members of the campaign council to remain committed to their responsibilities and avoid complacency, adding that the party remained open to accommodating more stakeholders as preparations for the elections progressed.

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