Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has boasted that the Flying Antelopes have indeed been the best team in the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League after securing their eighth title and first triumph since 2016 on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Rangers emerged champions of the NPFL with one game to spare after they defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium thanks to a goal in each half from Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo.
The other three contenders for the title, Remo Stars, 3SC and nine-time champions Enyimba, all dropped points in their respective matches, paving the way for the Flying Antelopes to win their eighth title.
In his first season in charge at the cathedral, Ilechukwu guided Rangers to an unassailable five-point lead with 67 points, going into their last game of the season against Gombe United at the Pantami Stadium next week.
‘The Working One’ as Ilechukwu is fondly called had previously worked with the defunct MFM FC, Heartland and Plateau United before joining Rangers at the start of the season.
“We are the best from the beginning to the end. The best technical team and best tactical team,” Ilechukwu said after the game on Sunday.
“We have worked so hard to come this far from Awka to Enugu. I have to thank so many people; governor Peter Mba, Amobi Ezeaku the general manager, all the management staff, the technical crew and the fans, the best in the world.
“I am so happy. It’s not easy to be a champion. Everything was perfect, the motivational part of football was so perfect and the technical crew were sound.”
After starting the season brightly, the Flying Antelopes’ momentum was slowed down in December after failing to win in five consecutive matches. Ilechukwu however said he was unmoved by the dip in form at the end of last year.
“Even when we were struggling, I knew we were going to do well and that was why I said people should wait till the end.”
Meanwhile, the general manager of the club Amobi Ezeaku, who doubles as one of the players is looking to get his only start of the season in the colours of the club when they face Gombe United at the Pantami Stadium on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Ezeaku attracted attention in March when he made his debut for the club as a second half substitute during a 2-0 win away at Niger Tornadoes.
“I love this game, I was born for this game. I will live and die for this game. Playing for Rangers is not my making, the coach insisted. I train with the boys from start to finish and if it pleases the coach, against Gombe United, I could start, he already hinted in training. I don’t regret playing football. This glory is for everyone.”
Founded in 1970, Rangers have previously won the NPFL title seven times; 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 2016.
Only Enyimba, who won the league for a record ninth time last season have more titles than the Flying Antelopes.
