Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers’ Technical Adviser, says the Flying Antelopes’ invincibility at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo played a key role in their hard-fought scoreless draw against Akwa United in Monday’s NPFL matchday-8 encounter, Completesports.com reports.
Heading into the clash, the nine-time champions had visited the impressive facility without defeat, and Monday’s result extended that record to 12 unbeaten games in Uyo for the Coal City side.
Ilechukwu, fondly called ‘The Working One’, said there are other venues where Rangers approach with confidence and leave unscathed, adding that he was pleased the trend remained unchanged in Uyo.
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“It’s perfect. It happens in many venues where Rangers are known to get good results. We had to build on that advantage and ensure the players’ mentality was right to achieve another positive result here,” said Ilechukwu, the former MFM FC and Plateau United coach, with a smile.
Rangers entered the Monday night game recovering from a 3-4 home defeat to Kano Pillars, the first time the Sai Masu Gida side had ever beaten them at the famous Cathedral.
Ilechukwu explained what he did differently to secure a crucial point this time.
“It’s all about psychological talk. We had a discussion after the game. There were some minor issues. I arrived late for the match, you know,” Ilechukwu revealed.
“The interactive session was like a ‘training’ where everyone had the chance to speak their minds, share their challenges, and all that. We built on that because it’s always important to have such sessions to clarify certain things.
“Some of the players didn’t perform well in the match against Pillars, but we introduced a few changes to ensure we got a positive result here in Uyo against Akwa United, and we thank God for today’s outcome.”
He also praised the ‘never-say-die’ spirit that Rangers are known for, emphasising that he is working on the players’ mindset for away games.
He added: “You know, we’re trying to address the away game mentality because some players tend to withdraw when the match is away from home.
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“We’re working on that, and I think we got it right today. Akwa United came out with full force, but they didn’t convert their chances. We took that as an advantage and will now go home to assess the areas that need improvement to ensure we get our away games right.”
Ilechukwu stressed the importance of mental strength, saying he instills belief in the team, even in challenging circumstances.
“I’ve always said it’s all about the mindset, belief, and knowing that anything is possible in football. Even when they were leading us 4-0 in the previous match, I told them we could level the game or even win,” he said.
“In the second half of that match, we had several chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them. That’s football.”
Rangers, with 11 points and sitting 8th in the NPFL standings, will be away to Kwara United this weekend in a matchday-9 fixture, while Akwa United, with 6 points and 18th in the table, will visit Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan.
By Sab Osuji.
