Rangers International of Enugu will be without three key players Ejike Ugochukwu, Kingsley Maduforo, and Hillary Ekeh when they face Kwara United in the President Federation Cup semifinal on Wednesday. The high stakes clash is set for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu led his team to Lagos without the trio, all of whom are sidelined with varying injuries. Ugochukwu, a vital defensive midfielder, is still recovering from a persistent knee injury. Striker Maduforo is out with a thigh strain, while Ekeh is nursing a muscle sprain.
Despite the setbacks, confidence remains high within the Rangers camp. A club official, speaking anonymously, assured that the squad remains largely intact, with the core players who recently secured NPFL wins against Plateau United and Katsina United available for selection.
“We’re good to go. It’s going to be a tough game, no doubt, but I’m confident we’ll go through,” the official stated.
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Rangers, one of Nigeria’s most decorated football clubs, have won the Federation Cup six times. Reaching a seventh final would be a major milestone for coach Ilechukwu and a boost to the Coal City Flying Antelopes’ legacy.
Editorial
Injuries are never welcome, especially not before a critical match. For Rangers International, the timing of losing three influential players ahead of their Federation Cup semifinal against Kwara United is far from ideal. However, adversity often reveals the depth of a team’s character—and now is the moment for the Flying Antelopes to rise above the setback.
Ejike Ugochukwu’s absence in midfield will be keenly felt. His composure and defensive shielding have been crucial to Rangers’ balance. Similarly, the loss of Kingsley Maduforo up front strips the team of a dynamic forward who can stretch defences. Hillary Ekeh’s absence in midfield further limits tactical flexibility. Yet, in moments like these, teams find unexpected heroes.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has proven time and again that he can adapt. The recent victories over Plateau United and Katsina United have instilled momentum and confidence within the squad. That winning formula will now be put to the test on a bigger stage.
The Federation Cup has always been about grit and moments of brilliance. If Rangers are to book a spot in their seventh final, they must rely on squad unity, tactical discipline, and a desire to fight for those missing. A win here would not just be a triumph over Kwara United, but a show of resilience, spirit, and belief in the badge.
Did You Know?
- Rangers International have won the Federation Cup six times, with their last triumph coming in 2018.
- The President Federation Cup is Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition, dating back to 1945, and is akin to England’s FA Cup in prestige.
- Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, the venue for the semifinal, is one of the oldest stadiums in Nigeria, formerly known as Onikan Stadium.
- Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu previously led MFM FC to NPFL prominence, earning a reputation for nurturing young talent and tactical innovation.
- Kwara United are seeking their first Federation Cup title, having never lifted the prestigious trophy despite multiple semifinal appearances.
