Fidelis Ilechukwu Set To Return Enugu Rangers To Winning Ways

The new coach of Enugu Rangers, Fidelis Ilechukwu said he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead as he prepares the team for the 2023-2024 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Ilechukwu replaced coach Abdul Maikaba who departed the position at the end of his contract earlier this month.

Maikaba guided the team to the 2023 Federation Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Bendel Insurance after an unimpressive league campaign in which they finished one point above the relegation zone.

Before Fidelis Ilechukwu became the coach of Enugu Rangers, he spent two years as the manager of Plateau United which he helped to finish second in the NPFL in the 2021-2022 season.

He made his name in Nigerian club football when he was the manager of MFM which he helped to qualify for the CAF Champions League in 2017.

Hence, he is expected to bring Rangers to winning ways and probably help them to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season.

In an interview with Punch, Ilechukwu emphasized the necessity to bring in more players to strengthen the squad in time for the forthcoming season.

He said, “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.”

He added, “Everywhere is home to me. I’ve worked in Lagos, Owerri, and 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.”