By Frankie Omokhua, Enugu
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers International FC, Amobi Ezeaku, has dismissed growing speculation surrounding the future of the club’s head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, insisting that the tactician will remain in charge of the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions.
Ezeaku made the disclosure on Friday during an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State Chapter, at the club’s corporate headquarters in Enugu.
According to the Rangers boss, Ilechukwu has personally assured him of his commitment to the Flying Antelopes ahead of the new season.
“Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will stay and has assured me about that. He told me he arrived in Portugal today and said he will be back before I travel in the next three weeks,” Ezeaku stated.
The confirmation comes amid widespread reports linking the highly-rated coach with a possible departure from the Coal City club following Rangers’ successful title-winning campaign.
However, Ezeaku revealed that one of the major concerns raised by Ilechukwu was what he described as sustained attacks on his personality and professional reputation by an Enugu-based blogger, Amaechi Onyekachi, popularly known as Amaechi Foundation.
The Rangers CEO alleged that the coach had repeatedly expressed fears over his safety and well-being in Enugu due to the activities of the blogger.
“Ilechukwu spoke to me about his greatest issue in Enugu and kept mentioning Amaechi Foundation as one of the reasons he was considering not staying because he felt his life was not safe,” Ezeaku said.
He added that the coach was deeply troubled by what he considered persistent criticism despite leading Rangers to major successes.
“He asked me what more he was expected to do after winning the NPFL title. He feels his name has been disparaged and his personality attacked, even extending to his role with the national team.”
Ezeaku disclosed that although he initially chose to ignore the controversy, he later reconsidered after realizing the potential impact on the coach’s mental and emotional well-being.
“I wanted to disregard the issue, but considering the influence of social media, I felt it was necessary to address it. I realized that what was being said was affecting Ilechukwu’s mental health.”
The Rangers chief defended the coach’s dual responsibilities with both club and country, questioning criticisms directed at Ilechukwu’s involvement with the national team.
“Is it not a plus for Rangers that our coach is part of the national team setup? Coaches all over the world combine national assignments with club responsibilities.”
In a dramatic development, Ezeaku announced that Rangers management had resolved to impose an indefinite ban on the blogger from all club facilities beginning next season.
“As a management, we have taken a decision to place a ban on the boy from our stadium from next season.”
He further disclosed that Rangers would formally communicate the decision to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Enugu State Football Association, Confederation of African Football (CAF), and FIFA.
“We are going to notify the relevant football authorities and their legal departments. We must ensure that football thrives in a secure and safe environment.”
Ezeaku maintained that the club would take all necessary measures to protect its coach and officials from what it considers harassment and intimidation.
“By the commencement of next season, we will make it clear that he is not permitted access to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. It is unacceptable for a coach who has brought success to this club to feel unsafe”, Ezeaku promised.
