Rangers, Abia Warriors clash for Oriental bragging rights

Rangers International will put their place at the top of the table on the line when they face Abia Warriors in a South-East derby at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Flying Antelopes climbed to the summit after edging Warri Wolves 1-0 in a rescheduled midweek fixture, responding to their previous league defeat to Ikorodu City at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

Abia Warriors, meanwhile, head into the Matchday 7 clash with renewed confidence after recording their first home win of the season, a commanding 3-0 victory over Bendel Insurance.

The result will give Imama Amapakabo’s side belief as they seek to carry that momentum into Awka and claim bragging rights over their Oriental rivals.

Rangers will be wary of the Warriors’ response, but the Enugu side have also shown their ability to bounce back from setbacks. Their midweek victory over Warri Wolves moved them to the top of the table and ensured they enter the derby with confidence.

Recent meetings between the sides have been closely contested, with Rangers winning three of their last six encounters, compared to two victories for Abia Warriors, while the other ended in a draw.

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The fixture will also mark another change of venue for Rangers, who have been forced away from their traditional Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium due to ongoing renovation work.

The champions initially hosted their first home game at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta before switching to the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, where they played their last two home fixtures.

They will now welcome Abia Warriors at the Awka City Stadium.

For Abia Warriors, playing away from the intimidating atmosphere of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium could provide Amapakabo’s men with an opportunity to claim a significant derby victory on the road.

With Rangers seeking to retain top spot and Abia Warriors looking to build on their 3-0 win, the Oriental derby promises a keenly contested battle for points and local bragging rights.

Kick-off is at 4pm on Sunday (today) at the Awka City Stadium.

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