Abdul Maikaba, the head coach of Rangers International, has acknowledged that the Flying Antelopes’ chances of making it to the continental tournament have been destroyed by their loss to Gombe United.

The Flying Antelopes on Sunday lost to Gombe United and Maikaba attributed it to his players’ lack of emotional control during the NPFL matchday 37 match.

Speaking after the game, which the Savannah Scorpions won 1-0 at Pantami Stadium Gombe, Maikaba claimed that the game was won and lost on equal footing.

Read Also:NPFL: Enyimba Stunned At Home As Rivers United Lost Away

Ibrahim Yahaya, a substitute, scored the lone goal for Gombe United in the 47th minute.

Maikaba lamented his team’s divisive behavior in the second half.

“I can say that we lost and the Gombe side deserves to win the game, more especially in the second half.

“My boys lost their heads and were collecting cards,” Maikaba told Completesports.com.

“However poor the officiating was, I don’t think they should behave as they did. It is not good for football.

“I expected them to control themselves and that could have given us result if we had kept our heads down.

“I am not happy with their behavior actually”.

When asked about the implications of the outcome, Maikaba acknowledged that Rangers’ chances of earning a spot in a continental tournament have been dashed.

Maikaba said: “The implication is that we cannot qualify to represent Nigeria. It is very difficult, the chance is almost zero.

“So, it’s football and l think we will restrategize and move ahead.”

With 53 points from 37 games, Rangers are presently ranked sixth in the 2021/22 NPFL table.

On Sunday, July 17, they will visit Akwa United at the Awka City Stadium on the final day of the campaign (matchday 38).