- The former MFM coach led the Flying Antelopes to triumph in Nigeria’s elite division last season
- Fidelis Ilechukwu's coaching style is inspired by the likes of Mourinho and Simeone
- Ilechukwu is now focused on strengthening Rangers for future challenges at home and abroad
Interim Super Eagles manager, Augustine Eguavoen, has enlisted Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede for the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
According to a statement from the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, on Monday, Enugu Rangers’ head coach, Ilechukwu, along with Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, will assist Eguavoen for the upcoming matches.
“Ilechukwu led the Flying Antelopes to triumph in Nigeria’s elite division last season, with Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars in second place.”
“They will be joined in Uyo by Tomaz Zorec, a fitness trainer from Slovenia, goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, and match analyst Eboboritse Uwejamomere,” Olajire stated.
10 facts about Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu
TheRadar has curated a list of facts about Fidelis Ilechukwu below:
1. Early football career: Fidelis Ilechukwu was a talented footballer who played at U-13, U-15, and U-17 levels but couldn’t reach the highest level due to injuries. He often served as captain or vice-captain, which helped him develop leadership skills.
2. Transition to coaching: Ilechukwu’s coaching journey began unexpectedly when he started coaching the boys in his neighbourhood after the coach of his team, Talented FC, stopped showing up due to financial constraints.
3. Formation of MFM FC: Ilechukwu’s neighbourhood team eventually caught the attention of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) around 2006/07. They adopted the team, leading to the formation of MFM FC, where he became the coach.
4. Education in coaching: Initially reluctant to pursue formal coaching education, Ilechukwu eventually attended the Nigeria Institute for Sport, which marked the beginning of his professional coaching career.
5. 13-year tenure at MFM: Ilechukwu spent 13 years with MFM FC, guiding the team from amateur to semi-professional levels to the NPFL, Nigeria’s top football league.
6. Success with Rangers: After stints with Heartland and Plateau United, Ilechukwu joined Enugu Rangers and led them to an NPFL title, despite the team’s initial goal of just rebuilding after a near-relegation.
7. Charisma and touchline presence: Ilechukwu is known for his charismatic and energetic presence on the touchline, inspired by coaches like José Mourinho and Diego Simeone, who view coaching as a joyful and expressive job.
8. Tactical mind games: Despite downplaying the Rangers’ chances of winning the title, Ilechukwu’s tactical mind games and approach helped relieve pressure from his team and contributed to their success.
9. Challenges faced: Ilechukwu cited Gbenga Ogunbote of 3SC (Shooting Stars S.C) and the Enyimba derby as some of the toughest challenges he faced during the season, acknowledging these teams' tactical and physical strengths.
10. Future ambitions: Looking ahead, Ilechukwu plans to strengthen Rangers as they prepare to compete on three fronts, domestically and continentally. His focus is on building a team capable of handling the rigours of travel and maintaining league performance.
Rangers secure narrow win in CAF Champions League
Previously, TheRadar reported that Rangers International Football Club has successfully booked its place in the next qualifying round of the CAF Champions League after edging out Comoros side US Zilimadjou with a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory.
The reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League needed to show important composure to progress, despite being held to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in the last game.
