Rangers Worldwide technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has declared the Enugu facet real contenders for the Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) title following their 2–0 victory over Kano Pillars on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
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The Matchday 24 win marked a profitable return to the touchline for Ilechukwu, who not too long ago served on the Tremendous Eagles’ teaching crew at AFCON 2025 in Morocco beneath head coach Eric Chelle. Rangers dominated giant spells of the encounter, creating quite a few possibilities regardless of failing to totally convert their alternatives.
“I believe it’s a giant sport. Each groups did their greatest to sort out and win. We created possibilities, however we missed plenty of them,” Ilechukwu mentioned after the match.
The outcome lifted Rangers to 3rd place on the NPFL desk with 39 factors, strengthening their push on the high finish of the standings.
Ilechukwu brushed apart exterior strain, insisting the membership’s title ambition is constructed on a transparent construction and long-term plan.
“Rangers are a title contender this season. An important factor is that we’ve a plan and a construction, and that construction can’t change,” he acknowledged.
The coach defined that squad rotation affected Rangers’ attacking rhythm, with some common starters rested to handle fatigue.
“I launched some new gamers as a result of some are drained. It may be troublesome, however we should discover stability within the staff. With time, the staff will settle,” he added.
Rangers have been with out league high scorer Godwin Obaje, who missed the sport because of suspension after selecting up his fifth yellow card of the season, whereas Igwilo Chimobi was additionally unavailable due to journey commitments.
“Dropping Obaje was very troublesome for me,” Ilechukwu admitted. “However we should all the time discover options.”
Ilechukwu additionally addressed a short touchline incident involving Kano Pillars coach Mohammed Babaganaru, dismissing any suggestion of rigidity between each males.
He defined that the state of affairs arose from a misunderstanding whereas he was chatting with the fourth official.
“He’s my father, my senior, my mentor. He thought I used to be speaking to him whereas I used to be really speaking to the fourth official. Once I defined, he mentioned there was no downside,” he mentioned.
The Rangers coach careworn that he holds Babaganaru in excessive regard and would by no means present disrespect.
“I can’t insult him. As a younger coach, insulting him means I’ve no respect. I thank God that he understands,” he added.
The win was Ilechukwu’s first victory over Kano Pillars as Rangers coach after dropping the earlier three conferences, though he performed down any notion of revenge.
“We didn’t do something totally different as a result of we aren’t right here for revenge. We wish to win video games. Those we don’t win, we go dwelling and work onerous,” he mentioned.
Kano Pillars stay within the relegation zone, sitting 18th on the desk with 25 factors, whereas Rangers will subsequent face Abia Warriors within the Oriental Derby as they proceed their title push within the NPFL.
