'We ease our pains' - Super Eagles assistant coach and Rangers banish CAFCL ghost

Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers, led by Super Eagles assistant coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, have returned to winning after a painful CAFCL trip. 

On Wednesday, the Flying Antelopes earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newly promoted Ikorodu City in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match.

The game, played at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, saw the defending champions secure their first win of the season in a tightly contested encounter against the NPFL newcomers.

Chinemerem Ugwueze's well-placed header in the first half proved to be the decisive moment in what was the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two sides. 

The goal was a welcome relief for Rangers, who were seeking redemption following their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League last weekend at the hands of Angolan side Sagrada Esperança.

“First win of the season, first away win of the NPFL25, We hope to maintain the momentum as we ease our CAF pains,” the club posted on social media.

Rangers' coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who also serves as the interim assistant coach for the Nigerian national team, expressed satisfaction with the result. 

"I am happy, it was a good game and my players showed quality and a lot of energy against a young side full of running," Ilechukwu stated post-match. 

"It was an important win for us to calm our players, management and supporters after our elimination from the continent."

The victory carries significant implications for both teams in the NPFL standings:

Rangers have climbed to 8th position with 4 points from their opening fixtures.

Ikorodu City, still searching for their first win, have dropped to 20th place with just a single point from three matches.

For Rangers, this result offers a platform to build momentum in their domestic campaign as they aim to defend their NPFL title. 

The team's ability to refocus quickly after their continental disappointment will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the league season.

Ikorodu City, despite the defeat, showed glimpses of potential in their first-ever meeting with the reigning champions. 

The newly promoted side will be looking to build on this experience as they continue their adaptation to top-flight football.

Rangers' next fixture will see them take on leaders Remo Stars in Ikenne and this game will be closely watched to see if they can maintain this winning form, while Ikorodu City will be eager to secure their first victory in the premier division when they host Nasarawa United at the same venue.