Rangers International captain Chinemerem Ugwueze has acknowledged that his team had “a bad day at the office” after their title defense in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) began with a 0-0 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors on Saturday.
The Flying Antelopes were expected to secure a comfortable victory, especially given their strong record at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, where El-Kanemi Warriors had failed to win or score in their last nine visits.
Ugwueze believes that the titleholders are a stronger team than the result suggests, despite the disappointing start to the season.
“It’s a bad day at the office. The result wasn’t what we were expecting. I believe we are better than this but our plans didn’t go as mapped out. Really, it is just a bad day at the office,” the Rangers midfielder said.
The Rangers captain however acknowledged that their inadequacies in front of goal remains “a thing of concern,” especially after dour performances over two legs in the CAF Champions League first round playoff against Comoros Island’s US Zilimadjou and now followed by another off-colour display with El-Kanemi Warriors.
Ugwueze believes the team need time to work together in order to improve on their performances in subsequent matches this season.
“Of course, it (our lack of goalscoring) is a thing of concern. Without goals there is no way you can win a game. We don’t want to use the word ‘a major problem’ considering the games we have played in the face of the goal drought. The league is just starting and I believe with time we will improve. It’s more difficult because of the CAF Champions League we have on ground. I believe with time we will get there.
“There is always room for improvement (for the new signings) of course. The old players, many of them played one season for Rangers and were fortunate enough to be crowned champions last season. I think the new players won’t be an exception as I believe with time if we work together definitely we will achieve (something),” said Ugwueze.
With more matches fast approaching in the NPFL and CAF Champions League, the Rangers captain is optimistic that they will turn the corner after their languid start to the season.
“We will do what we have to do (for the next games). The result was not okay for us but we will do what is necessary for us to do,” Ugwueze promised.