The head coach of Rangers International, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has emphasised that winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season is not at the forefront of his mind, despite his team currently leading the league table.
With 57 points in 32 games, Rangers International currently holds the top spot, edging out Remo Stars by a single point, with defending champions Enyimba trailing by four points in third place and Shooting Stars five points behind in fourth.
Despite the advantageous position his team holds in the race for the NPFL title, Ilechukwu remains focused on long-term development rather than immediate glory. “I’m not thinking about the title,” he stated in an interview with 54footballx.
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Fidelis Ilechukwu is leading a young Rangers team to another NPFL title (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Remo Stars are thinking about it. We have a very young team and structure is what we are thinking of. Maybe next season we will talk about the title. If I’m thinking about that, I will be under pressure and I don’t want to be under pressure because the management did not tell me about that.”
Responding to Ilechukwu’s stance, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede expressed optimism about his team’s chances. “I think it (the title) is in view because my friend (Fidelis Ilechukwu) said they are still building, so, we are trying to capitalise on the fact that they are building and we are trying to get the trophy,” Ogunmodede remarked to the club’s media team following their 2-1 victory over Rivers United on Monday, May 6.
Ilechukwu’s prioritisation of team development over immediate success highlights a strategic approach that could have significant implications for Rangers International’s future performance in the NPFL.
Meanwhile, the league is currently on hold to accommodate backlog of outstanding fixtures by Rivers United due to their involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup.
