Is it possible that Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has given up on winning the league title after Sunday’s crucial NPFL match defeat to Rivers United?
Well, his latest remarks imply that he is probably no longer interested in grabbing the title from Enyimba after Coach Stanley Eguma’s team severely crushed his side in Port Harcourt, Footballrover reports.
Alex Oyowah headed home the opening goal of the day after an outstanding delivery from Kazie Enyinnaya.
Before Deputy Echeta completed an outstanding team move with a tremendous attempt to seal the victory and all three points for the hosts.
Rangers International did perform as expected. They were actually harmful and fluid. However, the formidable threat they posed was neutralised by the home team’s defence.
Ultimately, the Pride Rivers were the ones deserving of the bragging rights.
Speaking after the final whistle, the coach expressed mixed feelings about the game, acknowledging its quality while lamenting over the defeat.
He described it as a dismal day, citing numerous defensive errors. Despite this, he believed his team played well and merited victory.
Though disappointed, he remained optimistic, emphasising that all hope is not lost and expressing confidence in their potential for success in upcoming matches.
The Rangers coach acknowledged that Rivers United is a continental opponent, emphasising the need for constant motivation and effort from his players to counter the team’s strength and warning that complacency would lead to difficulties in the game.
While reacting to this major setback and its effects on their title hopes, the coach claimed,
“I’m not thinking about the title; Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Remo Stars are thinking about it. You know, we have a very young team; that structure is what we are thinking of, and maybe next season we can think about the title.“
The Rangers coach concluded that focusing on the NPFL title would put him under undue pressure, which he seeks to avoid.
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He revealed that the team’s management never set such a goal for him, and therefore, he doesn’t consider it a priority.
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