Federation Cup: Fidelis Ilechukwu bemoans Plateau United’s semifinal loss to Rangers 

By Wale Mustapha

Fidelis Ilechukwu, Technical Adviser of Plateau United has insisted that his side did not deserve to lose the 2023 Federation Cup semifinal to Rangers Int’l on Thursday.

The Tin City club fell to a 1-0 defeat to the Flying Antelopes thanks to a late penalty converted by Moses Obaje in the second semifinal match played at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

Irked tactician expressed disappointment in the defeat just as he questioned the penalty decision that gave Rangers the final place, insisting that the best team lost the match.

“The best team lost the game as Plateau United was far better than Rangers in terms of play,” Ilechukwu told Nigeriafootball.ng

“My players put their 200 percent into the match, only to be denied the chance to play in the final. It’s not my style to talk or make comments regarding referees or officiating after matches, as it’s like flogging a dead horse and can not change the result.

“I must give credit to the NFF Referees Committee and Interim Management Company (IMC) for bringing sanity to Nigerian football in terms of officiating, while many referees have done better this season.

“We were one step away from reaching the final but it was not to be, so we have to take it as football and hope for the better in the future.”

Plateau United had missed out of reaching the Super Six during the regular season before their Cup semi-final exit.

Rangers will be taking on Insurance FC in the final billed for Asaba, Delta State on a yet-to-be-decided date.