Rangers International of Enugu has pleaded for the release of its players in the African Nations Championship Eagles camp for their forthcoming matches in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Rangers will engage Wikki Tourists in the Match Day 33 in Bauchi on August 6.
Foster Chime, the club’s spokesman said in a statement on Friday in Enugu that the four Rangers’ players currently in the CHAN Eagles camp were vital to its renaming six matches.
He said the club needed their services, especially now that they were fighting to beat the relegation which would be the first in its 47 years history.
Chime said: “Rangers recognise that national assignment comes first before the club, but it is clear that as things are, the club may face more problems with four of our first team players currently in CHAN camp.
“Eight of our first eleven are all nursing various degrees of injuries, which they sustained during our last two league matches.
“And according to medical advice, some of them may be ruled out of the season.
“It is therefore, necessary to reason with us why the players will have to honour our remaining six matches of the season.”
Chime listed the injured players as: Nana Bonsu, Etim Mathew, Chidiebere Okolie, Papic Ousmane, Adun Osamudian, Nnamdi Anyasodo.
Others are: Ifeanyi Egwim, Bobby Clement, while Daniel Etor and Christian Madu are on Absent Without Leave, Obinna Nwobodo has gone abroad for proverbial greener pasture.
Chime said the club’s management appreciates the CHAN Eagles Coach, Salisu Yusuf, for his understanding of their predicament, adding that he promised to release the players when needed.
He said: “The management has also suggested and pleaded with the Nigeria Football Federation and League Management Company to consider rescheduling or shifting the club’s matches to convenient dates.
“This is to avoid more misery for the club considering our precarious position in the league, the club’s highest goal scorers are in the CHAN Eagles camp.
“What is sauce for the goose is good for the gander so that all the clubs will have fair, equal and level playing ground in the remaining matches of the league.”
Rangers are currently 13th on the NPFL with 42 points having played 32 games, winning 11, drawing nine and losing 12.