The 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has been a season of unfulfilled potential and mounting disappointments for Rangers International FC of Enugu. Their latest setback, a 2-1 home defeat to arch-rivals Enyimba International in the heated Oriental Derby, further underscores their struggles and leaves them grappling with a dismal home record. The loss, witnessed by a disheartened home crowd at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, marked Rangers’ sixth home defeat of the season, a league-worst statistic surpassing even the five home losses suffered by relegated Lobi Stars. This unwanted record paints a stark picture of a season gone awry and raises serious questions about the team’s performance, particularly on their own turf. With their league ambitions fading fast, Rangers are now pinning their hopes on the Federation Cup, their last remaining opportunity to salvage some pride and silverware from a season that promised much but has delivered little.
Rangers’ captain, Chinemerem Ugwueze, provided a candid assessment of the Enyimba defeat, attributing the loss to a disastrous start. He acknowledged that the team’s sluggish opening allowed Enyimba to seize control and establish a two-goal lead, a deficit that proved too difficult to overcome despite their best efforts. Ugwueze’s words reflect a sense of frustration and disappointment, highlighting the recurring theme of slow starts that has plagued Rangers throughout the season. Recognizing the gravity of their league predicament, Ugwueze shifted focus to the Federation Cup, urging his teammates and fans to channel their energies towards this final chance of redemption. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to go all the way in the cup competition, emphasizing their impressive run so far and highlighting it as a beacon of hope amidst the gloom of their league form.
The path to Federation Cup glory, however, is fraught with challenges, with Rangers set to face a familiar foe in the quarter-finals: Plateau United. This fixture carries extra significance, as Plateau United were responsible for one of Rangers’ painful home defeats earlier in the season. Despite this psychological hurdle, Ugwueze maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing the team’s strong form in the cup competition as a reason for optimism. His confidence, despite the difficult draw and the team’s overall struggles, reflects a belief in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The upcoming clash against Plateau United represents a defining moment for Rangers, a chance to prove their resilience and demonstrate that they can still compete at the highest level.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu echoed his captain’s sentiments, expressing his bewilderment at the team’s struggles, particularly their inability to secure a top-four finish, let alone challenge for the title. As the defending champions, Rangers’ dramatic fall from grace has been a source of immense frustration for Ilechukwu, who openly admitted the pain of watching his team underperform week after week. His words reveal the weight of expectation that comes with leading a club of Rangers’ stature and the disappointment of failing to meet those expectations. Despite the team’s setbacks, Ilechukwu remains resolute, emphasizing the importance of finishing the season on a high note, even if it means focusing all their energies on the Federation Cup.
The challenges facing Rangers are not just limited to on-field performance. Injuries have ravaged the squad, forcing Ilechukwu to rotate his players frequently, disrupting team cohesion and tactical consistency. This constant shuffling of personnel has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s inconsistent performances, making it difficult for players to establish a rhythm and build understanding on the pitch. Despite these obstacles, Ilechukwu refuses to give up hope, insisting that the team will fight tooth and nail to win the Federation Cup. He stressed the importance of addressing the team’s technical deficiencies and instilling confidence in the players ahead of the crucial quarter-final clash against Plateau United.
The Federation Cup represents more than just a chance for silverware for Rangers; it’s an opportunity to restore pride, rebuild confidence, and salvage something positive from a season marred by disappointment. The upcoming quarter-final against Plateau United is a pivotal moment, a test of character and resilience that will determine whether Rangers can overcome their struggles and end the season on a high. The weight of expectation is immense, but the potential rewards are equally significant. A victory would not only propel them closer to cup glory but also provide a much-needed boost ahead of the next season, a chance to reset and rebuild after a season of unfulfilled potential. The task ahead is daunting, but Rangers have shown glimpses of their true capabilities throughout the season, and the Federation Cup provides a platform to showcase their talent and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
