Two second-half goals off the feet of Solomon Chigoziem and Denis Nya on 58 and 84 minutes of play for host’ Akwa United ensured that Rangers International F.C tested its first defeat in its build-up to the fast-approaching season in a pre-season friendly encounter in Eket.
The encounter took place at the 18,000 seater newly commissioned Eket Township Stadium with lots of football fans and political gladiators thronging the edifice to see the match.
Coach Abdul Maikaba kept faith with the match-day squad that was forced to a 1-1 draw by Rivers United a fortnight ago in Port-Harcourt in another friendly fixture with youthful shot-stopper, Chizoba Oko handed another start.
Tried as much as they did, the trio of Reuben Bala, Michael Ibe, and Elijah Ani could not trouble the backline of the host despite holding out in the middle of the pack where defensive midfielder, Emmanuel Charles showed class.
Rangers will next play Dakkada F.C in another friendly encounter in Uyo, before returning to base.