NPFL: Ilechukwu Urges Players To Sustain Unbeaten Run

March 22, 2024 7

By: Chinedum Ohanusi

Technical Adviser and Head Coach of Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu, Fidelis Ilechukwu has once again poured cold water on talk of the Flying Antelopes being genuine contenders to the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

After a mixed-bag of results in the first round of the season, Rangers have now gone eight matches without a loss, drawing three (3) and winning five (5); including Sunday’s battling 2-1 defeat of table toppers, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, aka the Cathedral.

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Speaking after the victory, Ilechukwu insisted that the hierarchy at the club has not set for him a target he must achieve, because they do not want to put neither him, nor the players under unnecessary pressure.

“But as a Coach I have given himself a minimum target, which I am working to achieve, and should we fall short of delivering this at the end of the season, I may be left with no alternative than to stand down from my role at Rangers”, Ilechukwu told reporters.

He described the match against Lobi Stars, as “a great fight by both sides”, that was a reflection of what was at stake. But on the balance of play,

“I think we did enough to deserve this win, we appreciate it, no matter how narrow or slim it may seem”

In specific terms, the former Plateau United and MFM FC of Lagos gaffer, notes that “it was a game, against a very good and consistent team that has been in the top-three, all season. The win is proof that Rangers is now fully tested, and has shown that we can mix things up properly with the big boys, this season”, he further asserted.

On his team’s unbeaten run of eight matches, Ilechukwu was also coy with his response; “honestly I’m not aware of this, I am not counting. All I know is that we want to do simple things, like win all our home games, and ensure that we get at least a point on our travels. We also want to make sure that until the end of the season, the draw with Kwara United will be the last at the Cathedral”, Ilechukwu posited.

He was full of praise for the management of Rangers, for granting his request to bring in five players during the mid-season; as it has made it easier for him to rest players.

“So far the rotation have worked well, fatigue and injuries have been the main reason for this rotation, but mind you other than that all these players are good players by their own right, thank God it worked for us today [on Sunday] and in our favour”.

Next for Rangers is a huge Oriental derby away to Heartland FC of Owerri, another o Ilechukwu’s former sides.

“The mentality we have instilled on the players is to consider every other venue, in the NPFL as home to Rangers, we are going there [Aba] with a positive mindset, and that should be enough to earn us a fair result”

A full load of Day 27 fixtures gets underway Friday 22nd March, 2024, with troubles Niger Tornadoes of Minna hosting a resurgent Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.