Rangers’ technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, claims that the Flying Antelopes’ unbeatable performance at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo was crucial to their arduous, goalless draw with Akwa United in Monday’s NPFL matchday-8 game.
The nine-time champions had never lost at the magnificent venue coming into the match, and Monday’s outcome took their record of undefeated visits to Uyo to twelve for the Coal City team.
Ilechukwu, affectionately known as “The Working One,” stated that Rangers enter other sites with assurance and emerge uninjured, and he was happy that the pattern held true in Uyo.
“It’s perfect. It happens in many venues where Rangers are known to get good results.
“We had to build on that advantage and ensure the players’ mentality was right to achieve another positive result here,” said Ilechukwu, the former MFM FC and Plateau United coach, with a smile.
Rangers were coming off a 3–4 home loss to Kano Pillars, which was the first time the Sai Masu Gida team had ever defeated them at the renowned Cathedral.
Ilechukwu clarified what he did differently this time in order to win a significant point.
“It’s all about psychological talk.
“We had a discussion after the game. There were some minor issues. I arrived late for the match, you know,” Ilechukwu revealed.
“The interactive session was like a ‘training’ where everyone had the chance to speak their minds, share their challenges, and all that. We built on that because it’s always important to have such sessions to clarify certain things.
“Some of the players didn’t perform well in the match against Pillars, but we introduced a few changes to ensure we got a positive result here in Uyo against Akwa United, and we thank God for today’s outcome.”
He also praised the ‘never-say-die’ spirit that Rangers are known for, emphasising that he is working on the players’ mindset for away games.
He added: “You know, we’re trying to address the away game mentality because some players tend to withdraw when the match is away from home.
“We’re working on that, and I think we got it right today. Akwa United came out with full force, but they didn’t convert their chances. We took that as an advantage and will now go home to assess the areas that need improvement to ensure we get our away games right.”
Ilechukwu emphasised the value of mental toughness, claiming that he gives the squad hope even in trying situations.
“I’ve always said it’s all about the mindset, belief, and knowing that anything is possible in football. Even when they were leading us 4-0 in the previous match, I told them we could level the game or even win,” he said.
“In the second half of that match, we had several chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them. That’s football.”
This weekend, Rangers, who now have 11 points and are ranked eighth in the NPFL standings, will travel to Kwara United for a matchday 9 match, while Akwa United, who currently has 6 points and is ranked 18th, will travel to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan.
