Head coach of Rangers International, Fidelis Ilechukwu, admitted his side felt the absence of supporters despite securing a crucial 2-1 comeback win over Enyimba FC in Sunday’s NPFL Oriental derby.
Rangers came from behind at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to claim all three points but the empty stands was evident.
“We love our fans so much and they have contributed a lot,” Ilechukwu said after the game.“Not having them today had a negative effect on our team, we are not happy about it. It is painful.”
While acknowledging the decision of the league authorities, the Rangers boss did not hide his emotions.
“We have to respect the authorities, but the truth is we are not happy.”
On the pitch, Rangers showed the kind of resilience that has kept them firmly in the title race.
After a quiet first half, it was Enyimba who struck first early in the second period through former Rangers player Wonah Williams silencing an already quiet stadium.
Chidozie Iwundu, continuing his remarkable season in front of goal, brought Rangers level in the 61st minute his ninth goal of the campaign from defence.
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The momentum shifted, and Rangers pressed forward with more purpose.
The winner arrived through a well worked move, as substitute Igwilo Chimobi delivered a telling cross that Ifeanyi Onyebuchi powered home completing a comeback driven by persistence and second-half control.
For Ilechukwu, the result was not accidental it was rooted in preparation and mindset.
“As a coach, I prepare for everything. When you make a mistake in football, you get punished,” he said.
“We prepared in different ways, different methods… and we came with the mentality that we would win.”
That belief was especially important given Rangers’ recent form.
“After two games, I don’t think we’ll go three without winning. I had that mindset we would not go home without winning.” Ilechukwu said.
The match also proved one of Rangers’ biggest strengths this season their ability to score from different areas.
With defenders once again on the scoresheet, Ilechukwu sees it as a tactical advantage rather than a coincidence.
“We are a scoring team. You must train your players to have many ways of scoring,” he explained.
“If you depend only on strikers, it becomes difficult. But when defenders score from corners or set-pieces it is a big advantage.”
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The victory ends a three game winless run and moves Rangers to 59 points, keeping them firmly in control of their title ambitions.
For Ilechukwu, the message remains simple:
“We are very humble in our games… very, very humble.”
Next up is a trip to Bayelsa, where Rangers will look to maintain momentum.
