5th November, 2023
By Nicholas Obisike
Rangers International FC Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has promised the club’s numerous fans that his team will overcome the visiting Heartland of Owerri in Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day seven.
This was contained a statement from Rangers Media Officer Norbert Okolie, made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The match will be played at the Awka Township stadium, the home of the Rangers.
The statement quoted the coach saying: “We are fully prepared for this encounter and will do everything possible technically and tactically to win our game against Heartland.
Ilechukwu, who had handled the Owerri side some years back, said that match was important for his team as they were like a wounded lion after the loss to Lobi Stars.
“I know Heartland very well as their former coach and I expect them to come fighting, especially with their position on the log but I have only one task to deliver on the pitch.
“My duty is to ensure that Rangers get the deserved win in the match and there is no emotional attachment to this match.
“Where we are on the log, is not comfortable and we want to win to better our chances of realising our set target this season,” Ilechukwu said.
Also, the club captain Chukwudi Nwaodu was optimistic that Heartland would fall in Awka but acknowledged that the match would be tough.
He said, “For me and my teammates, we are going to give our best to ensure that we make our fans proud after the encounter against Heartland.
“No doubt, Heartland is a great side, but we are not giving anything away to regain our top spot going forward.
“We have this winning mentality and we want to win and by God’s grace, we are going to carry the day.
“I am excited going into this fixture, knowing that I once led Heartland but now, I am leading Rangers and will do everything to defend the Rangers badge well on match day,” Nwaodu said.
Rangers International occupy third position in the NPFL log, with 10 points while Heartland FC of Owerri occupy the bottom of the league with four points.