Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu says the Enugu side are genuine title contenders following their 2–0 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) victory over Kano Pillars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The result marked a winning return to the touchline for Ilechukwu, who had been away on international duty in Morocco as part of the Super Eagles coaching crew at AFCON 2025 under head coach Eric Chelle.
Despite missing several chances, Rangers controlled large spells of the Matchday 24 encounter to secure all three points and move up to third in the NPFL standings on 39 points.
“I think it’s a big game. Both teams did their best to tackle and win, we created chances, but we missed a lot of them” he said.
Fidelis Ilechukwu. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
Ilechukwu played down outside noise but insisted his team’s structure and long-term plan underpin their title ambitions.
“Rangers are a title contender this season and it’s very important to us, the most important thing is that we have a plan and a structure, and that structure cannot change.”
The coach explained that squad rotation affected Rangers’ attacking sharpness, with some regular starters rested to manage fatigue.
“I introduced some new players because some are tired,” he said. “It might be difficult, but we must find balance in the team. With time, the team will settle.”
Rangers were without league top scorer Godwin Obaje, who is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, while Igwilo Chimobi was unavailable due to travel.
“Losing Obaje was very difficult for me,” Ilechukwu admitted. “But we must always find solutions.”
Godwin Obaje. Photo Credit: Rangers/X
Ilechukwu also dismissed any suggestion of tension following a brief touchline incident with Kano Pillars coach Mohammed Babaganaru, describing him as a mentor and senior colleague.
According to Ilechukwu, the moment arose while he was addressing the fourth official, with Babaganaru believing the comments were directed at him. The situation was quickly resolved after an explanation, with both coaches reaffirming their mutual respect.
“He’s my father, my senior, my mentor, he was thinking I was talking to him while I was actually talking to the fourth official. When I explained, he said there was no problem” Ilechukwu said.
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Ilechukwu stressed that there was never any intention to show disrespect, describing Babaganaru as one of the mentors he looks up to in the game.
“I can’t insult him, as a young that I am, insulting him means I have no respect. I thank God that he understands.”
Igwilo could be on his way out of Rangers having travelled out of the country. Photo Credit: Rangers media/X
The victory was Ilechukwu’s first against Kano Pillars with Rangers after losing the previous three meetings, though he dismissed any suggestion of revenge.
“We didn’t do anything different because we are not here for revenge,” he said.
“We want to win games. The ones we don’t win, we go home and work hard.”
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Kano Pillars remain in the relegation zone in 18th place with 25 points, while Rangers will next face Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby as they continue their push at the top end of the NPFL table.
