Call to serve, opportunity for more hardwork, Ilechukwu says

Fidelis Ilechukwu, Head Coach of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and newly-appointed Super Eagles Assistant Coach, says he is ready to serve and work hard for the team’s success.

Ilechukwu is to, alongside Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, assist Interim Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen during the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

They will be joined in Uyo by Tomaz Zorec, a fitness trainer from Slovenia, goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa and match analyst Eboboritse Uwejamomere.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the announcement of the appointment on Monday in the wake of Bruno Labbadia’s managerial disappointment due to tax matters and unresolved contractual discussions.

The coach of the NPFL defending champions on Monday took to his X (formerly twitter) handle to appreciate the NFF for the appointment.

He said he was overwhelmed with humility by outpouring of good wishes, and congratulatory messages he received since the announcement of his appointment.

“A call to serve Nigeria and opportunity for more hard work and we will never take this for granted.

“Thank you for the good wishes and the congratulatory messages. I’m humble,” Ilechukwu wrote.

Players and officials of the three-time African champions were expected in Uyo Monday to begin preparations for Saturday’s clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, from 5 p.m.

It was reported that no fewer than 11 players have arrived at the camp.

Among the early birds who touched down in Uyo at about 10 a.m. Monday (today) morning were William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Olisa Ndah, Taiwo Awoniyi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

They were later joined by Wilfred Ndidi, Amas Obasogie, Victor Boniface and Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

It was also reported that Eguavoen and assistant coach Ilechukwu are also in camp.

About 12 more players are being expected at the camp on Tuesday, with Victor Osimhen scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.

They include Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman.

The team will depart for Kigali on Sunday, for Tuesday’s Matchday 2 clash with the Amavubi (Bees) of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium, starting from 3pm Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time).