NPFL 2026: Ilechukwu opens up on Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle’s role in Rangers rise

Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has explained how his time with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is playing a key role in his team’s push for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ilechukwu recently worked under Chelle as part of the national team’s coaching crew during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While Nigeria struggled at CHAN, the Super Eagles impressed at AFCON, finishing third after losing to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.

Now back with Rangers, Ilechukwu says that experience has changed his approach as a coach.

“Change is constant in life,” he said as per the Punch. “After working closely with Eric Chelle, the mentality I got from him is not an easy one. The training sessions are super intense, about 80 per cent of what we do now is heavy training.”

The Rangers boss believes those lessons have improved every part of his team, from defence to attack. He pointed out that the discipline and structure he learned at international level have helped his players grow stronger and more confident.

“I think my return has had a positive impact defensively, offensively, everything,” he added. “The preparation, the pep talks, the quality, it gives confidence. I came back with an advantage.”

That influence is now clearly visible on the pitch, with Rangers playing with more energy, organisation, and belief as they chase another league title.

Strong form keeps Rangers’ Flying Antelopes in title race

Rangers are enjoying an excellent season and are firmly in the race for the NPFL title with eight games left to play.

Ahead of the matchday 31 fixtures this weekend, the Flying Antelopes sit second on the table with 51 points, just one behind leaders Rivers United. Their goal difference of +15 is the best in the league, showing strength at both ends of the pitch.

Their recent form has been particularly impressive. Since the start of the year, Rangers have lost only once in the league. In their last 11 matches, they have recorded six wins, four draws, and kept seven clean sheets. Their last five games include three wins and two draws, with strong victories against Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists highlighting their consistency.

Key players like captain Chidiebere Nwobodo and Emmanuel Essien have stepped up in important moments, helping the team maintain their momentum.

Despite their strong position, Ilechukwu insists his team will not allow pressure to affect their performances as the season enters its final stage.

“There is no different message, we don’t want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other, after this game we talk about the next one,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to handle the challenge ahead.

“They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready,” he said.

While he acknowledged that Rivers United are strong title rivals, he believes the race is still wide open.

“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen. We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure,” he added.

With key fixtures against El-Kanemi Warriors, Shooting Stars, and Enyimba still to come, Rangers know the task ahead will not be easy. However, with Chelle’s influence shaping their mindset and Ilechukwu’s leadership guiding the squad, the Flying Antelopes remain one of the strongest contenders to lift the NPFL trophy once again.