NPFL: Ilechukwu confident of making history with Rangers

 

Newly appointed Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes he already has all the necessary ingredients in place to make his time at the Cathedral a success.

Addressing Let's Gist Naija Football during an interview session on Sunday, the former MFM FC, Heartland and Plateau United boss explained what attracted him to the Flying Antelopes, the legacy left by his predecessor Abdu Maikaba and what he hopes to achieve at the club.

Q: Historically, Rangers International is one of the biggest teams as far as Nigerian football is concerned, but the club has underachieved in recent times with their recent league success being the title in 2016. What are you plans to bring back the glory days of the Flying Antelopes? 

Ilechukwu: Rangers International is one of the biggest teams in Nigeria. We would take things one at a time, it's very important to start the foundation gradually. 

Q: What attracted you to the seven-time NPFL champions? How do you hope to improve on the legacy left by coach Abdu Maikaba? A lot are curious about which system you will adopt at Rangers. What should we expect in terms of the way you want the team to play, any plans for players in the youth team of the club?

Ilechukwu: Coach Abdu Maikaba did very well for Rangers in the 2022/23 season. Don't forget that he is one of the best brains we have in Nigeria. The team finished second in the Federation Cup despite their struggles in the league. Don't forget that Rangers played away from home throughout last season. Maikaba did a great job, I will continue from there. The technical decision and playing style of the team would come from me. The financial aspect is very important. We also need to look at the Academy and see what is on ground. I intend to give a couple of young players the chance to showcase themselves. We need to build for the future. The age of the players is very essential because of the business part of it for Rangers.

Q: Big names like Daniel Anyiam, Kosta Papić, Chairman Christian Chukwu, Alphonsus Dike, Okey Emordi, Imama Amapakabo, Gbenga Ogunbote and Abdu Maikaba have managed Rangers in the past. Does that make you nervous as the new custodian of the Cathedral? Do you have any fear of the heightened pressure of expectations in Enugu?

Ilechukwu: The big names you mentioned are my teachers, mentors and fathers. I have worked with a lot of big coaches in the national team and learned a lot. I have the experience needed to put Rangers back in the map. Rangers is a big club and there is no excuse not to deliver. I want to concentrate on the job and achieve beyond what other coaches have done for the club.

Q: You say that your current team has the potential to "capture the fans' imagination". What makes you so confident?

Ilechukwu: Ilechukwu is one of the best in terms of managerial skills. As a Manager you need to give people freedom of speech and find a way to bring out the best from them. No is an Island. You can't be successful without people crucifying and stating their minds. I am ready to answer question at anytime. All these would help us raise a formidable team capable of competing.

Q: What do you have to say about the report that linked you back to MFM before taking up the Rangers job?  

Ilechukwu: MFM FC is me and I'm MFM FC as well. Anything that has to do with MFM FC is something I am usually careful about. They trained, built and nurtured me. MFM FC gave me the chance, confidence, belief and picked me from nowhere. After God, it is MFM. The church is like my parents. I hope MFM FC will return to what it used to be with our support. For now, I'm the coach of Rangers International and don't want to be distracted. But there are so many things to be done for MFM FC return to it glory days. One day we would be on our knees to beg Daddy DK Olukoya to bring MFM FC back.

Q: Nigerian clubs have struggled on the continent for more than a decade now. From your experiences at MFM and Plateau United, what do you think is missing and how can we fix these things to start competing favourably on the continent?

Ilechukwu: NPFL clubs would continue to struggle because we don't keep our best players at the end of the season. They go to teams who will compete against us on the continent. You can't compel a player who will pick up two to three million naira at a foreign club to stay in the NPFL. The money we pay in the league isn't enough to keep our top players. You see them travelling to Tanzania, Egypt and Algeria. But you look at the infrastructure and structure these countries have spent a lot. I usually ask myself why should a player go to Zambia? When you also look at the economic gains blaming the player isn't needed because he will earn more there. We also prepare late and have failed to sort out our travelling arrangements too. 

Q: What is the motivational factor anytime you walk out of the tunnel?

Ilechukwu: It's the crowd. Whenever I see the fans, this gives me joy. The morale is always there when I see the crowd and this makes go extra mile on the touchline on matchdays.

Q: What is your dream job in the Nigerian League?

Ilechukwu: Coaches don't give job. I just want to do any job I'm given. Everything is time, you can't stop time.

Q: After a bad day in office, how do you recover from the mental stress and disappointment that comes from losing a game? Is there anything or someone who makes the recovery process quicker?

Ilechukwu: I usually disappointed after any bad day in office. When this happens, I try to take a shower and rest. After that,  I listen to Music and Dance.

Q: You became a coach at a very young age, what inspired you to coaching instead at that young age Of all the places you worked in the past as a coach, which of these adventures would you say is the most challenging Name five most talented players you have managed as a coach in the past?

Ilechukwu: As an Anambra man who believes so much in business, MFM Pastors really forced and encouraged me a lot. Sometimes when I'm preparing to hustle at Ebute Metta, the Pastors would ensure I go to church. From church to training. I was like someone whom they used Security men to be in the coaching job. All glory goes to God and MFM for the impact they made in my coaching career. The most challenging team I have managed is Heartland Football Club. Anybody who survives managing Heartland is going to be a great coach. I have managed so many good players like Chijioke Akuneto, Stephen Odey, Mohammed Zilkifilu, Austin Opara and Nenrot Silas.

Q: What brought about your mode of dressing and touchline swags in the NPFL? Would you have been a comedian, music star or entertainer? And who is your favourite Nigerian artist?

Ilechukwu: When are look at how Europe coaches dress, I said to myself we can do better. Even in hot weather it is good to wear good suite. By the time you snap picture that's what will show. It's good to dress well. This gives you confidence on the touchline. You must be simple, jovial and funny. A coach should be someone who the player can relate with. I love to make people around me happy. People should be happy whenever they see you. I love Olamide and don't joke with my dancing routine.

Q: Do you desire to manage the Super Eagles in future Who is your role model as a coach?

Ilechukwu: Managing Super Eagles is the dream of any coach in Nigeria. I wish with time that dream becomes a reality. It will be the best career move for my as a coach. But there is no pressure to be the Manager of Super Eagles in future. It's all about time. My role model is Jose Mourinho. He is someone I love with passion. I prepare very well to see Mourinho's games. He brings the best out of referees, fans and even the Media. His defensive pattern gives me goosebumps. Everyone wants to hear from him before and after any game. I also love Pep Guardiola's possessive pattern. The touchline reaction of Diego Simeone fascinates me too. I combine all these attributes to make everything fun.

Bendel Insurance Deserves Huge Pampering after Breaking 43 Years Jinx

 

... Learning from Nyesom Wike, Kunle Soname, Orji Uzor Kalu, others

After a staggering 43-year trophy drought from a major silverware, the team defied all odds, coming from the second division and captivating fans, the team made history by lifting the oldest trophy in Nigeria football and clinching a  continental ticket. 

Wednesday, 21st of June 2023, a glorious display of resilience and character from Bendel Insurance etched their names into the chronicles of Edo State's sporting history by clinching the Federation Cup.

It is evident that the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the state governments have played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable journey to glory. 

Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, true patrons of sports, have consistently demonstrated their deep commitment to restoring Edo State to where it once was as the Home of Sports. This mandate which led to the formation of the Edo Sports Commission has seen the development and success of the Benin Arsenals, which has now soared to unprecedented heights by claiming the Federation Cup in style.

Through the steadfast backing and relentless pursuit of excellence, the state government has not only transformed the fortunes of Bendel Insurance but has also breathed new life into the sporting landscape of the entire state.

While basking in the glory of this major achievement, this writer urges the state government to take a proactive stance in securing the future of our Bendel Insurance. It is crucial that the State Government recognize the indispensable role the players and coaching staff have played in our team's success. 

As they continue to shine brightly, it is only natural that they attract lucrative offers from other clubs seeking to capitalize on their exceptional talents. To ensure that the club retain her invaluable assets and maintain the cohesive unit that has brought them this far, this writer strongly advocates for a handsome rewards system.

Winning a trophy of such magnitude warrants substantial rewards for the players and the dedicated backroom staff who have toiled tirelessly behind the scenes, after such a feat; this writer believes it is time to turn their words into actions and make the boys truly happy as the state governor can seek this opportunity to crest his name in history.

It is without a doubt that rewarding players and backroom staff handsomely has always enhanced players' performances for their teams, served as a means of having the stars of the club remain despite mouth-watering deals from other teams as they will be confident that their life is valued and that could only be the main tool to get more from them. 

States to Emulate or Outdo

Sports enthusiasts around Nigeria will always remember the name of the former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, the Working Governor, fondly referred to as Gburugburu of Rivers Land. His support for sports has catapulted Rivers United into the limelight not only in Nigeria but the continent where they got as far as the Quarter final of the CAF Confederations Cup.

No longer governor of the state, Wike's generosity to players ($20,000 each for making it to the continent as league winners) has left an indelible mark on the lives of the Rivers United team and their supporters, ensuring they will forever remember him as the man with the 'Capacity Doings.' It is a legacy that Governor Obaseki can aspire to exceed, elevating Bendel Insurance's place in Edo State's sporting landscape.

Most recently, Remo Stars owner, Hon. Kunle Soname (OFR) rewarded players, backroom staff, media team, and supporters club handsomely (#28 million) for securing a continental ticket after finishing as runners-up in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six, how much more a team that renewed the hope of the state - winning two trophies back to back, setting 21-games unbeaten record, winning the FA Cup for the first time in 43 years and returning to the continent after 28 years - I believe in the capacity of the governor and his deputy governor.

Going memory lane, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a man many around the world will remember for his generosity and rewards to players who gave the State glorious times. Only a few of them are of Abia State origin, but many of them have become Abia indigenes by rewards of Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu.

To truly reward the heroes of Bendel Insurance, some impactful gestures this writer will suggest is to grant each player and backroom staff member a plot of land within the state and have it named the "Bendel Insurance Estate" - have you thought of how big that will ink your name in the heart of millions? Think about it, your Excellency.

If this can't be done, these players should be handsomely rewarded financially for their feat - this is what many governors will be envious of and would have prayed to happen in their state. Your Excellency, if this is not done, heaven will not fall, but a lot would be left to say about a state that prides in success but fails to reward the actors 

This act of appreciation would not only solidify their commitment to the team but also transform them into honorary indigenes of Edo State. 

The prospect of owning a piece of Bendel Insurance Estate, a symbol of the team's legacy and a testament to their achievements, would resonate deeply with the players, their families, and the ardent supporters of Bendel Insurance. Such a gesture would undoubtedly inspire the Benin Arsenals to remain at the pinnacle of their prowess as they venture into the continental stage.

Celebrating Bendel Insurance goes beyond rewards and material tokens of appreciation. Their success signifies the unwavering spirit of Edo State, the tenacity and passion that have come to define them as the "Heartbeat of the Nation." 

As Governor Obaseki continues to solidify his legacy as the "Wake and See Governor," it is imperative that he transcends words and demonstrates his commitment to Bendel Insurance. By rewarding their triumph with tangible and heartfelt gestures, he can engrave his name in the hearts of the players, their families, and the loyal supporters who have stood by their side through thick and thin. 

The time is now for Governor Obaseki to shine the light on Bendel Insurance and ignite the flame of its continued success, as the "Heartbeat of the Nation" beats louder than ever before.

Amobi breaks silence on how Rangers won NPFL title in 2016

Former Team Manager of Rangers International F.C of Enugu, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku has attributed the success recorded by the Flying Antelopes in 2016, as a conceited efforts of the Enugu State government. 

Ezeaku who spoke as a Guest to the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment said the he State Government in 2016 had the deep desire to lift the trophy and break the 32 years jinx.

" In a bid to do so people were asked to apply for the positions they felt they were capable of working in. That singular act to me started that journey to glory. I recall the Governor particularly telling me he wanted international best practices". 

"In 2016 when I got to Rangers, we made frantic efforts to get the players to hold us in trust and to hold us accountable. We first found that most of the players didn’t have copies of their contracts and we had to start from there. The structure at Rangers then was good. All we did was to get a psychologist and a physio on board. And of course with the sound technical crew we were good to go".

Continuing, Amobi said "In a nutshell I would say that once the players trust the Manager/Management the work becomes easier". 

 

On his recent course overseas, the former school boy player said "For my UEFA Certificate in Football management Course, I had always believed in improving myself, but when I served at the NFF in 2013 and the trio of Barr. Musa Amadu, Okey Obi and Dr. Emeruwa drummed those sermons about personal improvement as an avenue to generating values to the society.

"I knew it was worth it. Coming from very experienced seniors and achievers, you could bet I was not going to relent on that. Of course everyone prays to grow, so it would be correct to say I look forward to greater opportunities for the future".

NPFL 2016/2017 Season: Rangers begin title defense with Oriental derby clash

The Week 1 fixtures for the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League season has been released.