Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has expressed disappointment over his team's failure to secure all three points against Akwa United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash. The encounter, which ended in a 1-1 draw, took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday as part of Matchday 28 of the 2024/2025 season.
Despite being the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers struggled against a determined Akwa United side. The visitors showed resilience and capitalized on their chances, denying Rangers the much-needed victory. Ilechukwu, in his post-match remarks, admitted that his players underestimated their opponents, which ultimately led to the disappointing outcome.
“I think we did not put in our best in the first half, maybe due to Akwa United’s position on the log, and it nearly cost us the match,” Ilechukwu stated. “It is quite unfortunate that what we expected was not what we saw in the game. I feel my players underrated our opponent. This result is a very big setback to the team’s ambition.”
The coach’s concerns are valid, as Rangers' position on the league table is now under threat. The team currently occupies the fifth spot in the standings, amassing 42 points from 28 matches. With the season nearing its final stretch, every point is crucial in their pursuit of a top finish.
On the other hand, Akwa United, despite their struggles this season, proved their quality by holding the defending champions to a draw. The result serves as a morale boost for the Uyo-based side as they continue their battle to improve their position in the league.
For Rangers, the dropped points could have a significant impact on their ambitions. The race for continental qualification and a potential title defense is becoming increasingly competitive, making it essential for the Enugu-based club to bounce back immediately.
The team will have an opportunity to redeem themselves when they host Kwara United in their next fixture. That game, scheduled to take place at the same venue, is expected to be a must-win for Rangers if they hope to stay in contention for the top spots.
Ilechukwu will likely emphasize the need for his players to maintain focus and avoid complacency in upcoming matches. The coach has previously highlighted the importance of treating every opponent with respect, regardless of their position on the league table.
With only ten games left in the season, the pressure is mounting on Rangers to deliver consistent performances. Any further slip-ups could prove costly in their quest for a successful campaign.
As the NPFL season progresses, Rangers' response to this setback will determine their fate. The club’s fans will be hoping for a stronger showing in their next outings as they push to reclaim their dominance in Nigerian football.
0 Comments