Rangers International Technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu says his return from the Super Eagles has played a key role in his club’s strong form heading into their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 31 encounter against El Kanemi Warriors in Enugu.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Ilechukwu highlighted the impact of working alongside Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, describing the experience as transformative both personally and professionally.
“Change is constant in life, after working closely with Eric Chelle, the mentality I got from him is not an easy one. The training sessions are super intense about 80% of what we do now is heavy training” llechukwu said.
llechukwu. Photo Credit: The Athletic NG Images
Rangers have enjoyed a remarkable run since his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), losing just once in 11 matches.
During that period, they have recorded six wins, four draws and seven clean sheets, form that has propelled them firmly into the title race.
Currently second on the NPFL table with 50 points, Rangers sit just one point behind leaders Rivers United with eight matches remaining.
Ilechukwu believes the discipline and structure he adopted at international level have translated directly into club success.
“I think my return has had a positive impact defensively, offensively, everything,” he said.
“The preparation, the pep talks, the quality, it gives confidence. I came back with an advantage.”
Photo Credit: Rangers media
He stressed that discipline remains central to Rangers push for the title, pointing to strict adherence to training routines, recovery processes and team rules.
“If players go through the same training sessions, the same attitude, the same discipline, they are supposed to deliver. Rangers is one of the most disciplined teams,” he added.
The coach also praised the club’s management structure led by Barr Amobi Ezeaku, describing the alignment at the top as crucial to their progress.
“When you have someone that shares the same ideology with you, it makes things easy,” he said. “We are on course, it’s very, very possible.”
Ezeaku and Ilechukwu. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
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Despite Rangers strong momentum, Ilechukwu acknowledged the challenge posed by Rivers United but insisted his side would approach the final stretch without pressure.
“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen,” he said.
“We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure.”
Photo Credit: Rangers media
He added that while the team is focused on winning the title, they remain prepared to learn from any setbacks.
“If something good happens, why not? If it doesn’t, we learn from our mistakes,” he said. “But right now, we feel the urgency.”
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Rangers will look to extend their impressive run when they host El Kanemi Warriors, knowing that every point could prove decisive in one of the tightest NPFL title races in recent years.
