Saturday, March 03, 2012

Ezekiel promises Rangers tough Sunday

Lobi Stars' defender, Bassey Ezekiel has warned Enugu Rangers on underrating his side ahead of their clash on Sunday in a Nigeria Premier League (NPL) game.

Ezekiel, who was part of the NPL XI that faced Dolphins in Yenagoa in December 2011, premised his assertion to give the Flying Antelopes a run for the points on Matchday 12 on his side's 2-3 loss at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu last term.

"Enugu Rangers are a big club I have a lot of admiration and respect for," began the Lobi Stars' left-back while talking to SuperSport.com. "Last season they beat us (2-3) in Enugu and I know they remember that it was a tough game. So they should expect us to give them a tough time on Sunday afternoon in Enugu this time."

In this corresponding fixture on November 7, 2010, Rangers won 3-2 through goals from Fred Okwara, Ejike Uzoenyi and Brendan Ogbu while Kingsley Odoh netted twice for Lobi Stars.

Ogbu and Okwara are no longer with Rangers while Uzoenyi remains a doubt after suffering a knock on his knee after playing 90 minutes in Nigeria's 0-0 draw at Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Wednesday.

Rangers, however lost the reverse fixture last season by a goal at Lobi Stars on May 15, 2011.

Ezekiel, who can play as a centre-back, further told SuperSport.com that he is ready to play a key role for Lobi Stars by shutting out Okey Emordi's men.

"I want to play my part for my team in the game by making sure we don't concede. Our plan is to leave Enugu with a very good result," the defender said.

Okey Emordi's men lead the NPL standings with 19 points while Lobi Stars are in 16th position with 10 points but with an outstanding game to play.

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