NPFL: Fidelis Ilechukwu banking on home support to lead Rangers past ‘quality’ 3SC

By Wale Mustapha

Technical Adviser of Enugu Rangers, Fidelis Ilechukwu has expressed optimism of consolidating with a win against Shooting Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League encounter on Thursday.

The encounter will relaunch the newly refurbished Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu after over a year of playing away from home in Akwa, Anambra State

And Ilechukwu is happy with his side’s return to their traditional home ground and is anticipating a massive home support from fans to silence visiting Shooting Stars.

“It will be a tough match but we have prepared well to earn a deserved win,” Ilechukwu told NigeriaFootball.ng.

“No disrespect to our opponent, they are a quality side with an experienced coach, but we have our work cut out and we shall get the job done by the grace of God.

“Playing before our home fans will be an added advantage and we believe it will count in our favor on Thursday.”

Since 2009, both sides have met 16 times with each grabbing five wins apiece, with six encounters ending in a draw.

Rangers pride themselves as the second most lethal attack in the season thus far with nineteen goals scored as against seventeen scored by the visiting, 3SC just as the Enugu based side currently occupy the ninth spot with 19 points and a game in hand while visitors are a spot adrift with same number of points but an inferior goal difference.

The match at the ‘Cathedral’ as the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium is called will bring about a renewed rivalry between two of most decorated clubs in Nigerian league.