Rangers to Extend Coach Ilechukwu’s Contract Ahead of 2026/27 NPFL and CAF Champions League Season — GM Ezeaku

Rangers International has confirmed that Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will continue to lead the club into the 2026/27 domestic and continental seasons, Completesports.com reports.

Rangers International GM, Amobi Ezeaku

General Manager Barrister Amobi Ezeaku stated that Ilechukwu would remain in his role for the 2026/27 season, arguing that it would be unreasonable for Rangers to part with a “rare breed” of coach such as Ilechukwu.

Ilechukwu To Remain Rangers Head Coach

The announcement was made in Ezeaku’s office at 23 Lugard Avenue, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, during a routine media briefing.

Also Read: NPFL: Rangers Players And Officials Earn ₦150m Cash, Land Reward For 2025/26 NPFL Title Win

Ilechukwu’s second league title with Rangers came in the 2025/26 NPFL season, following the club’s first triumph in 2023/24.

“I assure you all that Ilechukwu remains our coach and will continue with Rangers International,” Ezeaku told reporters.

“Ilechukwu has proved once again why he is among the best coaches we have ever seen in the history of the NPFL. Winning two titles in three years is not an easy achievement.”

“So why would you want someone like that to leave after what he achieved with the team this season?”

Rangers Eye Successful 2026/27 Campaign

Although Ezeaku’s initial three‑year contract with Rangers expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, he said the club’s future arrangements would be clarified within the next three weeks.

The Coal City Flying Antelopes will join Rivers United as Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The 2025/26 NPFL title race was decided on the final day, with Rangers International securing the championship with 68 points, one point ahead of Rivers United.

Sab Osuji

I’m Sab Osuji, a sports journalist with over 35 years working experience. I’ve worked in several media houses, print in particular, and have covered many international engagements, such as CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, All Africa Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, AFCON and World Cup qualifying games amongst other major tournaments.