Rangers best NPFL team, Ilechukwu insists

Rangers International coach Fidelis Ilechukwu insists the eight-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions are still the best team in the Nigerian topflight despite suffering another setback in their title defence this season, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

The defending champions suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Niger Tornadoes on resumption of the league on Saturday, marking their fifth loss of the season and third at home as they now sit fourth in the table.

As a result, they are now eight points behind league leaders Remo Stars with 18 games to go this season.

After the defeat, Ilechukwu remained confident that their title defence was still on track.

“I just want us to look at our carelessness. We were so careless in this game. We lost a penalty and about five or six open chances. So, I don’t want to shift it to anything, I want to look at how the team will go back and work on areas where we have deficits,” Ilechukwu told journalists after the game.

“This is the same team that won the league, this is the best team in the Nigeria Premier League. I don’t want anyone to be under pressure. I believe in the team, the team will deliver. At the end of the season, you must congratulate us, and we will talk about this day and this game against Niger Tornadoes.”

Ilechukwu in his debut season with Rangers last season led the Flying Antelopes to their eighth NPFL title with 70 points.

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