Fresh from signing a new contract extension, Fidelis Ilechukwu has made it clear that Rangers’ focus is now firmly fixed on continental football, while accepting full responsibility for the club’s recruitment drive ahead of the new season.
The Rangers Technical Adviser is determined to build on the club’s domestic success after guiding the Flying Antelopes to another Nigeria Premier Football League title.
Although he stopped short of publicly setting a specific target for continental competition, Ilechukwu repeatedly referenced Rangers’ previous frustrations in Africa and admitted that improvement on the continental stage is now a major objective.
“The man that wants to move forward must set a target for himself,” he said.
While refusing to predict how far Rangers can go before recruitment is completed, the coach suggested that lessons from previous campaigns would influence the club’s transfer strategy.
He pointed to narrow eliminations and fine margins that have previously denied Rangers greater success in Africa.
“If I look at most of the seasons in continental football, we lost on goals, maybe away goal advantage. That is always a problem. It is always very close,” he explained.
“I want to sit and look at all those things and see what we can do to get better and surpass the best.”
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As preparations continue, Ilechukwu has also accepted that ultimate responsibility for squad building will rest with him.
Asked whether he should be held accountable if recruitment falls short of expectations, the coach gave a direct response.
“As the Technical Adviser, you will hold me responsible for anything that happens because I am in charge of recruitment.”
The Rangers boss explained that the club would continue to rely on scouting reports and player assessments before making final decisions but stressed that he would oversee the entire process.
His comments reflect a coach willing to place his reputation on the line as Rangers attempt to assemble a squad capable of competing at a higher level.
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Ilechukwu acknowledged that attracting the caliber of players required for continental competition will depend heavily on financial resources.
According to the coach, the cost of securing quality players has increased significantly, making recruitment more challenging than in previous years.
He noted that experienced players capable of making an immediate impact often command substantially higher salaries, while transfer costs continue to rise across the market.
“The increment to get quality players can almost double,” he said.
“We need a lot of experienced players to be able to do that.”
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Despite those realities, Ilechukwu remains optimistic that Rangers can meet the challenge, citing his confidence in the club’s leadership and the support being provided by the Enugu State Government.
