The 2024/2025 season concluded in bitter disappointment for Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his boys, leaving them empty-handed after Wednesday’s defeat in the FA Cup.
An emotional bos of the Flying Antelopes has now turned his attention to the daunting task of rebuilding a stronger side for the next campaign, Footballrover reports.
Rangers coach Ilechukwu’s fury: “We were careless”
Visibly moved, the Rangers boss began by highlighting the significant impact of numerous injuries throughout the season.
While expressing his sadness at their elimination, Ilechukwu immediately shifted focus to the future, emphasising the critical need to review the current squad.
This review will involve tough decisions regarding player departures and potential new acquisitions.
“But that, of course, depends on the club’s finances. If the resources are available, we’ll bring in a few quality players from other clubs. If not, then we’ll turn to the youth team and see who we can promote,” the coach said.
The just-concluded season is obviously one of the most forgettable in Rangers’ recent history.
The team surrendered their NPFL title with relative ease to Remo Stars. The seven-time Nigerian league champions and six-time Federation Cup winners suffered an unprecedented six home defeats in a single season – a stark contrast to their proud 55-year legacy.
Ilechukwu acknowledged that injuries to key players played a role in their struggles but commended the club’s medical department for their efforts in getting players back on the pitch.
The experienced Rangers coach, known as ‘The Working One’, firmly dismissed any suggestion that his part-time role as Super Eagles Assistant Coach contributed to the team’s poor performance.
He asserted that his assistants were highly capable and pointed out that the team had suffered losses even when he was present in the dugout.
Ilechukwu reflects on Kwara United loss: A turning point?
Reflecting on the 1–0 defeat to Kwara United, Ilechukwu admitted that his team was slow out of the blocks.
“Yeah, it’s funny, but that’s football. Kwara United is a big team in the Nigeria Premier Football League with quality players. We were a bit careless in this game. In the first half, we didn’t play well,” the Rangers coach concluded.
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