Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi on Wednesday in Awka lost 1-2 to hosts Rangers International in a Week 31 fixture of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League.
Christian Nnaji put the game beyond the visitors with a brace in the match played at the Awka Township Stadium.
Nnaji opened scoring in the 13th minute, while Christopher John drew the game level in the 36th minute.
Nnaji, however, decided the game with another goal in the 49th minute.
Wikki Tourists’ coach, Abdullahi Adamu, blamed the loss on inexperience on the part of his players.
He said this was because most of their experienced legs were rested ahead of their next game against Rivers United of Port Harcourt.
Adamu, however, noted that his players nonetheless gave a good account of themselves.
He said his decision to rest some players in the match was strategic.
“I can assure that my players will improve their game in subsequent matches to help us maintain a good standing in the league table,” the coach said.
On his part, the coach of Rangers International, Abdul Maikaba, described the result as a sweet one for the team.
Maikaba said the game was not an easy win, but that the team would work hard to get points away from home in order to improve on their position on the league table.
Results of Match Day 31 in 2021/2022 NPFL
Rangers International 2-1 Wikki Tourists
Lobi Stars 3-1 Kwara United
Nasarawa United 2-1 Abia Warriors
Shooting Stars 1-1 Remo Stars
Enyimba International 2-0 Sunshine Stars
Gombe United 3-2 Heartland FC
Katsina United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Akwa United 0-0 MFM FC
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United.