Fidelis Ilechukwu, Head Coach of Rangers International, has revealed plans to revamp the Flying Antelopes ahead of the 2025/2026 season following a poor campaign that ended with a disappointing 1–0 defeat to Kwara United in Wednesday’s President Federation Cup semi-final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, Completesports.com reports.
Wasiu Alalade’s exquisite 50th-minute strike dashed Rangers’ hopes of clinching silverware this term, having earlier surrendered their NPFL title to Remo Stars with three games to spare.
Wednesday’s defeat ensured the Coal City Flying Antelopes ended the 2024/2025 season empty-handed, and an emotional Ilechukwu is now focused on rebuilding a more formidable Rangers side for next season.
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“A high number of injuries affected us this season. It’s sad we went out the way we did, but looking ahead to next season, I think we need to go back, review the squad, and decide who to let go and who to bring in,” Ilechukwu began, visibly emotional.
“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 2024/2025 campaign is arguably Rangers’ most disappointing season in recent memory. They surrendered the NPFL title they won last season almost effortlessly to Remo Stars.
Moreover, the seven-time Nigerian league champions and six-time President Federation Cup winners lost as many as six home games in a single season – a first in their 55-year history.
Ilechukwu admitted that injuries to key players negatively impacted the team but commended the club’s medical department for doing a commendable job in returning players to action.
‘The Working One’, as the Nnewi-born tactician is fondly called, refused to attribute the team’s struggles to his frequent absence from the dugout due to his Super Eagles appointment as Assistant Coach.
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“No, not at all,” Ilechukwu said firmly. “I have very capable assistants. Even when I was present, we still lost some home games.
“Yes, the team lost some games while I was away, but I was here today, and we still lost. That’s football for you.”
Ilechukwu, who has previously managed Heartland, Plateau United, and MFM, reflected on the 1–0 defeat to Kwara United, acknowledging that his team started the match too slowly.
“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,” Ilechukwu concluded.
By Sab Osuji
