NPFL 26: Rangers Are Work In Progress - Ilechukwu

NPFL 26: Rangers Are Work In Progress - Ilechukwu 

Precious Oham 

Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International has said that his team are still a work in progress and would get the ball rolling in their subsequent league games, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The eight-time Nigeria league champions began their 2025/2026 NPFL campaign with a home draw, as a resilient Kun Khalifat FC held the hosts to a goalless stalemate in a highly entertaining match day 1 encounter. 

The match, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, was watched by a large, appreciative crowd on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Coach Ilechukwu, fresh from his time with the CHAN team, was in the dugout for the Flying Antelopes. 

After the match, Ilechukwu expressed his thoughts, "It was a great game that we could have wrapped up in the first half but for some missed opportunities. We will continue to work on the team, as you can see, we have almost a completely new squad and I believe we have what it takes to compete at the top by the end of the season. 

"Our opponents, as you can see, were more united in their play, largely because they have been together since their NNL days, and I congratulate them on the result. We will get it right before long."

Rangers will next travel to Ozoro, Delta State, for a match day 2 fixture against Warri Wolves on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Warri Wolves secured a road victory in Katsina over the weekend.