Ilechukwu reacts to Rangers' Federation Cup exit
- Adaramola Yemiblak
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, says he is devastated after his side fell to Kwara United in the 2025 President Federation Cup on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Rangers' quest for Confederation of African Football (CAF) club action came to a disappointing end as they were beaten 1-0 by fellow Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kwara United, in a hard-fought semi-final clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Kwara United's Wasiu Alalade slotted home the easiest of finishes to send the 'Afonja Warriors' faithful into raptures in the 50th minute after a defensive lapse from the 'Flying Antelopes'
Speaking after their defeat, a dejected Ilechukwu stated that the outcome was a bitter pill to swallow for him and his side.
"This is really a sad loss for us as a team, but we have taken it as one of the outcomes of a football match. It was not destined to be our day," he said.
"Our first half was not too impressive, but we came back for the second half as a better side, but that error at the back gave us away."
The 2023/25 NPFL winning coach added that they'll go back to the drawing board in preparation for the next season.
"We shall go back and re-group and find our way back to the top in the coming season. We thank our fans for their prayers and support throughout the season, and we hope to make up for this season's missed opportunities," added Ilechukwu.
Rangers will now conclude their 2024/2025 season with a trip to Ibadan this weekend as they are set to face old rivals 3SC in a Match Day 38 NPFL fixture on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in what now appears to be more of a classification match.