The head coach of Rangers International of Enugu, Fidelis Ikechukwu is staying cautious over his team’s chances of winning the title this season in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
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Ilechukwu’s side took another massive leap towards clinching a second title in eight seasons with a 3-1 spanking of Abia Warriors of Umuahia on Tuesday, but the gaffer insists he will not get carried away just yet.
The former handler of MFM FC of Lagos and Heartland of Owerri took a closer look at the current NPFL standings and reasoned that six clubs still stand equal chances of clinching the title at the last whistle.
Heading into match day 31 fixtures for all clubs across various venues this weekend, The Flying Antelopes are still top with 54 points, but they are closely followed by their Oriental rivals, Enyimba of Aba on 51, same as Lobi Stars of Makurdi in third.
With last year’s runners-up, Remo Stars of Ikenne hogging fourth spot with 50 points, followed by Shooting Stars of Ibadan on 49 and 2017 champs, Plateau United on 47, the tactician fondly called ‘Camara’ by his admirers believes it’s not yet Uhuru for Rangers in the title race.
With that verdict in mind, Ilechukwu reasoned that he and his players can not afford to rest on their oars, but he also admitted that they were quite impressive in Tuesday’s win at home.
As they now prepare to battle away to Rivers United of Port Harcourt, who have six matches in hand, on account of their exertions in the CAF Confederation Cup, Ilechukwu is staying positive of another top notch performance by his wards.
He shot a look back at the Oriental Derby with Abia Warrriors and reasoned further that all players in his Coal City outfit deserve plaudits from him, their officials, and the fans.
The man of few words stated, “It was a difficult game, but it was expected to be like that, because Rangers have not beaten Abia Warriors in their past four, five games. There is so much rivalry between both clubs, and that made it more difficult.
“We prepared for the game because we want to break records and set records. We prepared very well and, thank God, we got the three points.
“More eight games to go, to end the season, and Rangers is still number one, but we don’t want to talk about the title just yet; because the current top six, seven teams still have a chance to win the league, as it stands.”
‘Camara’ then unfolded the strategies he and his players will now adopt for their remaining games of the season, starting with this weekend’s battle away to Rivers United in The Garden City.
Ilechukwu externuated further: “What we are doing is that we are taking the games one after the other. If at the end of the season we are lucky to lift the trophy, then we’ll thank God for that.”
He, however, concluded by affirming the high standards and title-winning potentials of the team that last won the NPFL gong under Imama Amapakabo in the year 2016.
“Before I took over, we talked about the team’s structure. I looked into everything, trying to make sure the team did not battle with relegation, and I think we have done that. We have passed over that, and we are looking for something bigger.
“However, we can’t talk about the title yet; because a lot of teams have a lot of advantages over us … but we are also positive in what we can achieve.”
