Rangers protest Lobi’s 1-0 semi-final win in FA Cup
PHOTO: goal.com
Rangers International FC of Enugu has filed a protest against Lobi Stars of Makurdi, alleging that the club used an ineligible player in their 0-1 loss in the Federation Cup semi-final tie in Katsina.
Paul Ozor, General Manager of Rangers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the protest centered on the ineligibility of Barnabas Imenger Jr. who starred for Lobi player during the encounter.
Ozor had questioned Imenger’s eligibility, saying that the player had previously featured for Kano Pillars in the first stanza of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League before joining Lobi last week for the second stanza.
The Rangers GM pointed out that Imenger haven played for Pillars this season ought not to have qualified to play for another league club in the same competition.
“We have already protested here in Katsina; we have also paid for the protest fee. Even the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi, witnessed all that happened in Katsina.
“But we will protest more when we come to Abuja with the video clip of the match. I will even send the tape to TV stations for Nigerians to see the injustice that transpired in Katsina; our football may not grow if we continue like this,’’ Ozor said.
He said that apart from the inclusion of Imenger in the match, two of Rangers players received red cards in the first half of the game, which reduced his players to nine men.
“The two red cards in the first half were given to Christian Madu and Razak Adegbite and their goal was scored from an offside position, which came toward the end of the match.
“Some of the fans at the stadium clapped for us but we were rewarded with a late offside goal,’’ he added.
NAN reports that Lobi would now meet Akwa United FC of Uyo, in the final of the Federation Cup.
This followed Akwa United’s 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United in the other semifinal game played in Abeokuta, the Ogun capital.
Udoh Aniekpeno, scored the lone goal for Akwa in the 26th minute.
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3 Comments
Congratulations Akwa United for beating Nasarawa United and qualify for the final of Federation Cup. I use this great opportunity to thank Almighty God and Our Lord Jesus Christ for the victory of Akwa United and also congratulate the government of Akwa Ibom State, entire citizens of the State for this great victory. I pray Almighty God to crown the boys ultimate victory in the final at Lagos in Jesus Name, Amen. Bravo and Hurrah Akwa United boys. Once more Congrats and CHEERS. God bless Nigeria
Nigerian league is a mess….pure mess.giving two red cards during the first half. That is why Nigerian ref don’t go far.Rangers I know can’t get two red cards in a match let alone in the first half….anyway that’s naija and Nigerian league will continue to be rated low
This Rangers team play entertaining football,I watched there Game in Abuja twice.Two red card in first half against any team will break them down.The petition is just for records.The football body should be fixing semi finals and finals at more strategic venues .
We will review and take appropriate action.