Enugu Rangers striker Bashir Usman has been named the NPFL Player of the Week for Matchday 19 after scoring the decisive goal in his team’s 1-0 victory over his former club, Niger Tornadoes. The match winning strike came in the 33rd minute and marked Usman’s first goal for the “Flying Antelopes.”
Out of respect for his former club, Usman, who served as captain for the day, chose not to celebrate his goal. The victory was a strong response from Rangers after their previous 1-0 home defeat to rivals Shooting Stars.
The win also marked Rangers’ second away victory of the season, boosting their position in the league standings. They now sit fourth in the NPFL table with 31 points from 19 matches, just two points away from breaking into the top three.
Editorial
Bashir Usman’s performance against Niger Tornadoes is a reminder of football’s unique capacity for narrative drama. Scoring against his former club, Usman demonstrated professionalism by refusing to celebrate his decisive goal, underscoring the respect and bonds that players often share with their past teams.
Enugu Rangers’ ability to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Shooting Stars with an away win reflects their resilience and determination. Such grit will be essential as they aim to break into the top three NPFL standings. The club’s reliance on players like Usman highlights the importance of individual brilliance within a cohesive team framework.
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For Niger Tornadoes, this loss serves as a call to regroup and refocus. Despite the disappointment, their performance against a strong Rangers side indicates potential for growth as the season progresses.
Usman’s achievement also inspires players navigating transitions between clubs. His ability to make an immediate impact demonstrates the importance of adaptability and maintaining focus under pressure. As Rangers push forward in the league, performances like this will be critical in shaping their season’s outcome.
Did You Know?
- Bashir Usman’s goal against Niger Tornadoes was his first for Enugu Rangers since joining the club.
- Enugu Rangers nicknamed the “Flying Antelopes,” are one of Nigeria’s most historic football clubs, founded in 1970.
- Niger Tornadoes were promoted back to the NPFL after winning the 2021/2022 Nigeria National League NNL playoff.
- Rangers’ victory over Tornadoes marks their second away win this season, a feat crucial for climbing the league standings.
- The NPFL’s competitive nature often sees narrow margins between teams, with just two points separating Rangers from the top three.
