Okpala set for Rangers rescue mission
Former Nigeria international midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala has been tipped as the man to revive the flagging hopes of Enugu Rangers this season.
The reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions are in dire straits this term and currently sit in the relegation places with just seven games remaining for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to preserve their top flight status.
Okpala has now been saddled with the responsibility of keeping Rangers up and he has been backed to succeed by the club’s team manager, Amobi Ezeaku.
“Everyone knows Okpala; he comes in with a lot of experience and I wish him well,” Ezeaku said.
Okpala takes over from Chukwuma Agbo who replaced Imama Amapakabo, the coach who led Rangers to their first top flight title in 32 years.
Okpala is a former Nigeria international who earned 45 caps at senior level.
He was also part of the coaching staff as Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Okpala’s first task is to mastermind a victory for Rangers on Sunday against last season’s runners-up, Rivers United as the NPFL enters Matchday 32, a feat Ezeaku believes can be achieved.
Rangers currently occupy 17th spot on the NPFL standings with 39 points from 31 matches.
ANDREW EKEJIUBA with Agency Report
