NPFL: Ilechukwu plays a mind game as Enyimba face Rangers in Aba
Rangers technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu has tagged Enyimba as the best team in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL ahead of their Oriental derby clash on Tuesday.
The Flying Antelopes will lock horns with Enyimba in a matchday 15 fixture in Aba on Tuesday.
Ilechukwu expressed his team’s readiness for the encounter.
“Big game accepted, important game against Enyimba on Tuesday, the best team in Nigeria,” Ilechukwu told 54footballx.
“We are prepared for the game, it’s just football, and three things will happen win, lose or draw.
“We don’t know what will happen because Enyimba is in a top-class shape playing on the continent which we are not bothered about, we will just play our game.”
Enyimba coach Yemi Olanrewaju is confident that the nine-time champions will commence their resurgence in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League when they Rangers.
“The game against Rangers, we know the importance and the rivalry,” Olanrewaju said.
“This is not a game to re-emphasise as a coach; the players know what is at stake and what it means for the club.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the desired result in Egypt but we have to focus on the league before our next game on the continent.”
Despite being depleted by injuries, the gaffer is banking on the depth of his squad to get the job done.
“Yes, there are one or two injury worries for some important players but we have a large squad and can carry on from there. We are ready for the game.”
Since 2010, the two oriental giants have clashed 27 times, with Enyimba holding the upper hand with 12 wins compared to Rangers’ seven while seven encounters have ended in stalemates.
Last season, the derby offered no shortage of drama with a thrilling 1-1 draw in Aba in the first leg before both sides met in a neck-and-neck race in a sold-out second leg in Enugu.
The game was, however, marred by controversy, giving Rangers three goals and three points which propelled them to their eighth title.
