Fidelis Ilechukwu affirms Rangers’ unlucky nature with President Federation Cup draw

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Head Coach of Enugu Rangers, has expressed his belief that the Coal City Flying Antelopes have been ‘unfortunate’ in this year’s President Federation Cup.

Ilechukwu, who previously managed MFM FC of Lagos, Heartland, and Plateau United before taking the helm at Rangers, voiced his concerns about the challenging matchups his team has faced since the beginning of the tournament.

Rangers are aiming for their seventh title in the President Federation Cup, having previously won in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1983, and 2018.

In just 11 days, on April 16, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (MJA) in Onikan, Lagos, Rangers will face Bendel Insurance in one of the standout matches of the Round of 16 in the 2025 President Federation Cup.

Following a goalless draw against Benin Arsenals during Saturday’s NPFL matchday 32 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Ilechukwu was questioned about the upcoming encounter with Insurance in Lagos.

Affectionately known as the ‘Working One’, Ilechukwu acknowledged that Bendel Insurance is a team he would prefer to avoid at this stage of the competition.

He remarked that the Flying Antelopes have encountered a streak of misfortune this year, as the Federation Cup has consistently matched them against formidable opponents.

“I am perplexed by the nature of the draws. I felt quite disheartened when I reviewed them,” Ilechukwu stated.

“We faced Kano Pillars in the Round of 64, then Heartland in the Round of 32, and now we are up against Bendel Insurance in the Round of 16. I cannot comprehend why we have been so unfortunate.

“This match will be extremely challenging. I would rather not face a team like Bendel Insurance, as they are very solid defensively. They are well-organized technically and tactically, and their attacking play is robust. They possess strength, energy, and aggression.

“We must prepare thoroughly to confront them. Honestly, I am at a loss as to why the draws have unfolded this way.”