Ilechukwu To Remain Enugu Rangers Head Coach
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers International FC of Enugu, Mr. Amobi Ezeaku, has confirmed that Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will remain in his role at the club, even as he expressed uncertainty over his own future with the Flying Antelopes.
Mr. Ezeaku who made this known during a parley with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State Chapter, put to rest speculations surrounding the club’s technical crew.
The Ranger GM/CEO Ezeaku assured supporters of Rangers that coach Ilechukwu would remain at the dugout to guide the reigning NPFL Champions to the CAF Champions League next season as head coach.
”Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu remains our coach and will continue with Rangers International,” he stated.
He further revealed that decision on his own position and furure at the Cathedral would become clearer in the coming weeks.
”My availability as General Manager will be officially confirmed within the next 21 days,”
”I won’t be making the decision alone, I have a family, supporters and have to think about my mental health, just give me time to clear my head” Ezeaku said.
The Rangers chief also announced that social media influencer Amaechi Foundation has been banned from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with moves being made to extend the sanction to other stadiums across the country.
According to him, the influencer’s publications have been detrimental to individuals in the club both in management, technical and other areas.
”The writings and publications of Amaechi Foundation have caused problems for the team and its management, we are not happy especially our coach”.
”The process is also ongoing to ensure that he is also restricted from other stadiums in the country,” he said.
Speaking on the rewards recently given to players by the Enugu State Government, Ezeaku commended Governor Peter Mbah, describing the gesture as significant.
”The governor has done very well. The plots of land allocated to the players are worth about ₦40 million each,” he noted.
On player retention, Ezeaku disclosed
that Rangers intend to keep the bulk of their squad ahead of the new season.
”We will retain most of our players. At the moment, only about four players may be leaving the club,” he added.
The General Manager further revealed that Rangers recently entered into agreement with third tier Spanish club CD Tenerife, while sustaining their partnership with FC Schaffhausen of Switzerland.
”We recently signed a collaboration with CD Tenerife in Spain and have maintained our relationship with FC Schaffhausen,” Ezeaku said.
He also highlighted the club’s cordial relationship with other teams in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Looking ahead to continental football next season, Ezeaku said Rangers have set their sights on the highest prize in African club football which is the CAF Champions League.