Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu says his side’s tactical gamble backfired in their 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Warri Wolves in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)
The match played at the Ozoro Stadium was delayed after officials flagged insufficient security presence and a lack of cover for the benches. Once play eventually got underway, Wolves struck either side of half-time.
Godwin Oham opened the scoring in the 41st minute, curling a superb strike from outside the penalty area beyond the Rangers goalkeeper Abine George.
Prince Ebhohon then sealed the points in the 77th minute for the seasiders who have now won back to back matches scoring 3 goals and 0 conceded.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. When we were a goal down, we took the risk by reducing the numbers in midfield & increase in attack to look for a goal & that resulted to conceding the second goal,” Ilechukwu said afterwards.
Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is already under pressure after failing to win his first two games against newly promoted teams. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
The defeat leaves eight-time champions Rangers winless after their opening two matches of the 2025/26 campaign.
🎙️🗣️ Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu after loss at Wolves
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. When we were a goal down, we took the risk by reducing the numbers in midfield & increase in attack to look for a goal & that resulted to conceding the second goal.”#NPFL26 #WOLRAN pic.twitter.com/Y6ZF8r6vXx
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) August 31, 2025
Ilechukwu, 47, was appointed in July 2023 to replace Abdul Maikaba and made an immediate impact by guiding Rangers to their eighth NPFL title in his debut season.
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The team finished the 2023/24 campaign with 21 wins, 7 draws, and 10 defeats, handing Ilechukwu his first major trophy as a manager.
In May 2025, Rangers confirmed his one-year contract extension following a high-level meeting with club leadership led by General Manager and CEO, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku.
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Now in his third season, Ilechukwu has led Rangers through 77 league matches, with 36 wins, 18 draws, and 23 losses.
The flying Antelopes next face winless Plateau United on match day 3 on Sunday 7th September at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
