Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu explained his decision to keep his side attacking despite being reduced to 10 men in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 25 draw with Abia Warriors at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes earned a valuable point in a tough away contest.
The Oriental derby finished goalless, with Rangers managing to hold on after Monday Chigozie was sent off in the second half. Ilechukwu’s aggressive tactical choice drew attention after the match.
Ilechukwu, who also serves as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles, said he deliberately chose not to sit back following the red card. “The best form of defence is to attack,” he told reporters, stressing that Rangers wanted to maintain pressure and take advantage of what he saw as Abia Warriors’ possession based style of play.
He added that he believed dropping into a defensive shell would have made it very difficult for his team to withstand the final stages of the game, so pushing forward was a calculated risk that ultimately helped Rangers secure a draw.
The draw lifted Rangers to fourth place on the NPFL standings with 40 points as they look ahead to their next clash against Wikki Tourists in Enugu. Ilechukwu described the point earned in Aba as “something” to take back home after a challenging encounter against quality opposition.
He also took a moment to challenge media questions about officiating in the first half, saying his focus remained on coaching his team rather than commenting on refereeing decisions.
Editorial
Ilechukwu’s attacking gamble in the face of numerical disadvantage highlights a growing tactical confidence in Rangers’ approach this season. Rather than sitting back to defend a draw, his choice to keep his team proactive reflects a belief in their ability to control phases of play, even under pressure. This mentality can help Rangers maintain momentum in the NPFL’s tight title and continental qualification races.
For Nigerian football fans, seeing a coach take such a risk especially in an intense derby atmosphere, is refreshing. It underscores the importance of calculated bravery in modern football tactics, where passive defending often invites relentless pressure. Rangers’ ability to come away with a point after losing a man could be a defining moment if they continue to play with the same conviction.
The point also keeps Rangers within striking distance of the top spots as they navigate a crowded NPFL table. With tougher fixtures ahead, the mental resilience shown against Abia Warriors could serve them well in the run-in.
Did You Know?
- Rangers were reduced to 10 men in their 0–0 draw with Abia Warriors after defender Monday Chigozie was sent off.
- Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is also an assistant coach with the Super Eagles.
- The draw moved Rangers up to fourth place in the NPFL with 40 points.
- Rangers’ next league fixture is against Wikki Tourists in Enugu.
- Abia Warriors are known for their possession-based style, which influenced Ilechukwu’s tactical decision.
