Enugu Rangers on Wednesday, unveiled Fidelis Ilechukwu as the new coach, replacing Abdu Maikaba who vacated his role as head coach in June, following the expiration of his contract.

Speaking at the unveiling, Fidelis Ilechukwu said: “I must first give thanks to the government of Enugu state, the management of Rangers International FC supporters, and the media who are very important in this business”.

“I am so happy to be here as I am very positive about making things work here and getting the needed results to take Rangers to the level it rightly belongs in the two years I have signed.”

Also speaking during the unveiling, the Administrative Secretary of the club, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, has this to say.

“Rangers FC have a structure that can sustain it and it is that structure and the club tradition that has been sustaining it for the past two years without General Manager and Technical Adviser.”

“We have been in the premier league for the past 15 years, so we have a peculiar quality that differentiated us from other clubs which you will enjoy for these two years”

Fidelis Ilechukwu had a two-season spell at Plateau United where he led the side to a second-place finish and played in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup qualifying stages last season.

He also took MFM FC from the second division; Nigeria National League to the Nigerian Premier Football League and the CAF competitions.

The Chairman of Rangers Supporters Club, Uchenna Orji said the supporters will give the coach and the players all the necessary support they need to do well when the league resumes.

“We have been there for Rangers FC under the sun and rain and we trust the new coach to deliver and make the state proud in the 2023/2024 season.”

The Flying Antelopes finished eighth in Group B with 21pts after 18 games of the regular season and did not get the chance to advance to the playoffs to compete for the title and continental places. 

They got a chance at Federation Cup glory which would have meant a CAF Confederation spot but were beaten in the final by Bendel Insurance.