Ilechukwu set for Rangers challenge News

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Ilechukwu set for Rangers challenge

By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 11, 2023

New Enugu Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, says he is mindful of the task ahead after taking over the reigns of the former Nigeria Professional Football League champions ahead of next season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ilechukwu, who just left his role at Plateau United after two years, replaces Abdul Maikaba, who left the job at the end of his contract.

After an underwhelming performance in the league, where they finished a point above the relegation zone, Maikaba led the team to the 2023 Federation Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Bendel Insurance.

The seven-time NPFL champions last week unveiled Ilechukwu as Maikaba’s replacement, with the hope of reviving their glory days under the former MFM, Heartland and Plateau United manager.

Ilechukwu hopes to hit the ground running as soon as possible at his new club as he harped on the need to recruit more players to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

“Every coach is positive about handling a team as big as Enugu Rangers. And the team is hungry for trophies. So, we have to first put the house together and make sure we have good recruitment. When we get it right in that area, we will be good. Management has also promised that the welfare packages of the players won’t be a problem,” Ilechukwu told PUNCH Sports Extra .

“Everywhere is home to me. I’ve worked in Lagos, Owerri, Plateau and it was as if I was from there. Rangers won’t be different. I’m looking forward to having a good relationship with the people there again,” he added.

In his first season at Plateau United in 2021/22, Ilechwuku, guided the club to a second place finish in the NPFL. The club played in the CAF Champions League preliminaries and the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs but couldn’t make it to the group stages. Last season, the Jos side also missed out on a Super 6 spot in the NPFL.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 11, 2023