Rangers’ NPFL victory: A tale of true redemption

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers‘ story is one that makes for interesting reading. Just last term, the club narrowly escaped the drop.

If they had been relegated, it would have been the first time in their history they got demoted from Nigeria’s topflight division.

During that time, Rangers endured a tough time playing away from their original home ground, the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium. They played home games in Awka, Anambra state. This was due to the renovation being done at ‘the Cathedral’.

Before former MFM FC and Heartland FC gaffer Fidelis Ilechukwu took over, Abdul Maikaba was in charge. To be frank, Maikaba flawed in some of his approaches to games and this affected, negatively, their results.

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Rangers suffered the loss of some very important players to injuries and that only made matters worse. This undoubtedly affected their output and efficiency, causing them to slip further down on the league table.

For the abridged season, one which I witnessed the decisive Super Six at Onikan, Lagos, Rangers were a shadow of themselves. It was so strange to see the Flying Antelopes‘ fans think about, talk less of speak about, relegation. It was a disaster.

Fidelis Ilechukwu – The real game changer

Ilechukwu was charged with resurrecting a ‘dying’ Rangers side – a big task at that. His experience coaching across the league was considered vital. Rangers Faithfuls could only hope for a better time under him.

Ilechukwu had led MFM FC to second on the NPFL table in 2017, guiding them to the CAF Champions League. He achieved this in their very first season in the top-flight.

For fans who have followed the NPFL for years, the names Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatubosun should ring a bell. Yes! Ilechukwu managed them at the Lagos-based outfit before they went to search for greener pastures abroad.

He also repeated the second-place feat with Plateau United in 2022. His pedigree, tactical nous and technical awareness endeared him to the righteous fans at ‘the Cathedral.’

The 45-year-old immediately passed on his winning mentality into every player. Rangers Int’l FC players were entrenched with discipline, focus and fitness. Also, Ilechukwu proved (and is proving) to be a no-nonsense gaffer.

The two players who scored the goals against Insurance on matchday 37 Agu Kenechukwu and Chidiebere Nwobodo have been instrumental all season.

Amobi Ezeaku vital in Rangers’ win

Rangers rode on their belief in unity and teamwork. Their compactness and brilliant transitions from one department to another on the pitch have seen them win games.

Key signings Ogbodo Emmanuel, Rabiu Zulkifilu, Nebo Kingsley, and Aniji Ifeanyichukwu added more quality to an array of brilliant players.

Against Bendel Insurance, Agu Kenechukwu’s goal came in the 33rd minute, much to the joy of the home fans. The second by Nwobodo was like the sting of a killer bee as it sealed the win.

The victory caused hysteric scenes in the stands when fans realised both Enyimba and Remo Stars lost their away games against Sporting Lagos and Sunshine Stars respectively. Both continental hopefuls lost by 2-1 scorelines.

Prior to the matchday, Rangers were on 64 points while second-placed Remo Stars had garnered 62.

Indeed, I cannot write this piece without acknowledging the role of the club’s CEO Amobi Ezeaku.

The 34-year-old was Rangers’ team manager when they conquered the Nigerian league in 2016. He was appointed CEO in August 2023, a month after he got his FIFA master. Less than a year later, He celebrates the league title.