“A big disappointment in Ijaball,” Ilechukwu blasts Super Eagles coach after fierce clash

• Remo Stars secured a 2-1 victory over Rangers International in Ikenne on Sunday
• Kenechukwu Agu scored the only goal of the match for Enugu Rangers
• Remo Stars sit atop the NPFL table with 12 points, while Rangers are in 12th position with four points

Ogun State side Remo Stars kept their stellar form in the Nigeria Premier Football League intact, extending their unbeaten run to four games with an impressive 2-1 win over defending champions Rangers International in Ikenne on September 29.

The intense clash on Sunday lived up to expectations, as both teams came out strong, looking to secure all three points. Technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede praised his squad for their performance, calling the win “incredible” and acknowledging the efforts of his players against the defending champions, Rangers International.

Though the first half was a battle of nerves with high-paced play from both sides, the deadlock was not broken until the second half. Alex Oyowah belled the cat, giving Remo Stars the lead after a smooth build-up involving Franck Mawuema. Rangers quickly responded when Kenechukwu Agu converted a penalty, awarded after Serge Obassa’s foul inside the box, levelling the score just minutes later.

The moment of brilliance came in the 60th minute when Tochukwu Michael’s dazzling strike sealed the win, ensuring Remo Stars maintained their perfect start to the season with 12 points in four games.

Ogunmodede, while thrilled with the win, credited the players for their unwavering determination. 

“I need to commend the boys for a job well done, what they have done so far is incredible, very incredible, they all need to be commended,” he said in a post-match interview.

In contrast, Rangers’ coach Fidelis Ilechukwu was less pleased with his counterpart’s approach. He criticised Ogunmodede for “winning at all costs,” alleging that the game lacked fair play, especially when a player’s welfare was at stake.

“It’s a big disappointment, very big disappointment in ‘Ijaball’ (Ogunmodede). There was no fair play even when a player’s life was at risk, you don’t win by all means. This was not how Rangers were crowned champions,” an agitated Ilechukwu remarked.

Despite the loss, Ilechukwu still found reasons to commend his players for their effort. 

“It was a good game. I think we have started coming up. I am happy with the outcome of the game. I love the way my players approached the game today despite the result.”

With Remo Stars sitting comfortably at the top with 12 points, Rangers, now 12th on the table with four points from three matches, will look to bounce back in their rescheduled match against Bayelsa United on October 3rd.

Eguavoen retains Super Eagles interim role as AFCON qualifiers loom

Previously, TheRadar reported that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Augustine Eguavoen would continue as interim head coach for the Super Eagles. 

His appointment was finalised after a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, extending his leadership over Nigeria’s quest for a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

His technical crew are Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec, who will provide critical support during this campaign.