Enugu Rangers’ manager Fidelis Ilechukwu admits uphill task in defending NPFL title

By Wale Mustapha

Enugu Rangers’ Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has acknowledged the challenges his team will face in defending their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title next season.

The Flying Antelopes secured their eighth NPFL title last season, overcoming strong competition from Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Remo Stars.

As preparations for the new football season began on Wednesday, Ilechukwu assured that the Flying Antelopes would field a formidable team.

“We are looking forward to having all the players back in camp while we start on a positive note so that the team will present a very strong team in the CAF Champions League,” Ilechukwu told Rangers media.

“We know fully well that we have lost some players in the team and we want to make sure we present a strong team for the new season.

“We will work out a strategy and see what we can do. It’s not going to be easy because it looks like it was when we won the league last season. It’s going to be very difficult to stay at the top.”

Rangers will commence their CAF Champions League campaign against Congo’s US Zilimadjou in the first round.