Noble Boys Football Academy faced off against Rangers U-19 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on 12 July 2025, with the match kicking off at 4:00pm. It is the 2025 edition of Chief of Naval Staff Peace Cup. In a closely contested battle, the Noble Boys were edged out, finishing the game with a scoreline of 1-2.
The Noble Boys adopted a 4-1-3-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. The back four consisted of two central defenders, Habib Ahmed and Anthony Nwankwo flanked by two full-backs, Kosi Maduka (Right) and Chidiebere Nnamani (Left) with a defensive midfielder, Godwin Peter, sitting just in front to shield the defence. The three midfielders, Chidozie Ezeibekwe, Uche Kalu and Salvation Ikechukwu were positioned centrally, tasked with linking play and supporting both the attack and defence, while the two forwards, Izunna Okolo and Ndubuisi Nwankwo were expected to press the opposition and convert chances into goals.
The match began with both teams displaying a cautious approach, testing each other's defensive lines. As the first half progressed, it became evident that the Noble Boys were keen to assert their presence, but they faced a resilient Rangers U-19 side that was equally determined to claim victory.
The first half concluded with the scoreline 1 - 0 in favour of the Rangers U-19 team after scoring in the 13th minute as a result of the goalkeeper's (Chukwuebuka Ilo) miscalculated service. The teams retreated to their respective dressing rooms, with the Noble Boys looking to regroup and strategise for the second half.
As the second half commenced, the intensity of the match escalated. Rangers U-19 struck again in the 55th minute, taking the lead with a well-executed goal that caught the Noble Boys' defence off guard. The Noble Boys, however, responded positively, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. They completely took over the game after understanding their errors in the midfield. Their efforts paid off when Ndubuisi Nwankwo scored using the with from a good delivery from Clinton Ugwu who was substituted, igniting hope among their supporters.
With the match finely poised, the Noble Boys pressed for a second goal, for a while they held the opposition only defending. Despite their best efforts to equalize, the Noble Boys were unable to find the back of the net again, and the match concluded with a final score of 1-2 in favour of Rangers U-19.
The referee's performance was generally solid, contributing to a well-managed game that allowed for a competitive spirit to flourish. The attendance of 200 spectators added to the atmosphere, as fans from both sides cheered passionately for their teams.
In the end, Anthony Nwankwo was recognised as the standout performer of the match, showcasing his defensive prowess and determination throughout the encounter. The Noble Boys will undoubtedly reflect on this match as a learning experience, as they look to build on their performance in future fixtures.
