Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu laments Rangers performance in Oriental derby defeat

By Dayo Awoniyi

Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has expressed disappointment following his team’s 2-0 defeat to Heartland FC in the Oriental Derby on Sunday.

The match, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, saw the visitors dominate proceedings with goals from Surajudeen Lawal in the 20th minute and Isaac Nassy three minutes after the restart.

Assistant coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who addressed the media after the game, admitted the team fell short of expectations.

“It was really a bad day in the office for us, and we have taken it in our stride,” Ekeh said, reflecting on what was a below-par performance from the Enugu-based side.

The defeat drops Rangers to eighth place on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table, with 46 points from 33 matches.

With league hopes momentarily dashed, the Flying Antelopes will now shift focus to the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they face Insurance FC in the Round of 16.

“We now focus on our next match against Insurance FC. We hope to give it our best and bring smiles back to the faces of our ardent supporters,” Ekeh added.