NPFL 25: Ilechukwu Bemoans Players' Poor Performance Against Heartland

NPFL 25: Ilechukwu Bemoans Players' Poor Performance Against Heartland

Precious Oham

Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu has bemoaned his players over their poor performance in the Oriental Derby defeat to Heartland FC, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a result that sent shockwaves through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Heartland FC emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Oriental Derby, defeating rivals, Rangers International by a 2-0 scoreline.

Goals from Surajudeen Lawal in the 20th minute and Isaac Nassy shortly after the restart (48th minute) secured all three points for the "Naze Millionaires" in the Match Day 33 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.

In a post-match reaction, a visibly disappointed Rangers coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who stood in for Ilechukwu, acknowledged his team's poor performance.

 "It was really a bad day in the office for us, and we have taken it in its stride.

"We now focus on our next match against Insurance FC in the round of 16 of the President Federation Cup 2025. We hope to give it our best and bring smiles back to the faces of our ardent supporters."

The unexpected defeat sees Rangers slip to the 8th position on the NPFL table, now with 46 points from their 33 matches played.