Sport
“Enyimba is the Best Team in Nigeria ”- Ilechukwu Says Ahead of Oriental Derby
Rangers’ technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has described Enyimba as the strongest team in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as they prepare for their much-anticipated Oriental Derby.
The clash, set for Tuesday in Aba, is part of the NPFL matchday 15 fixtures and promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s biggest names.
Ilechukwu acknowledged the formidable reputation of Enyimba, also known as the People’s Elephant, during a conversation with 54footballx.
He commended their consistent performances, both domestically and on the continental stage.
According to Ilechukwu, facing a team of such caliber is both a challenge and a motivation for his squad, the Flying Antelopes.
“This is a big game, no doubt about it,” Ilechukwu stated. “We’re up against Enyimba, the best team in Nigeria.
They’ve shown their quality in every competition they play, and it’s no surprise they’re doing well on the continent.”
Despite the uphill task, Ilechukwu expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the derby. He stressed that football is unpredictable, with three possible outcomes: a win, a loss, or a draw.
The key, he noted, is to focus on their game plan and not be distracted by Enyimba’s status or achievements.
“We’re prepared for the game. It’s just football—anything can happen.
While Enyimba is in excellent form, especially with their international engagements, we’re not letting that get to us.
Our focus is on playing our game and giving it our best.”
The Oriental Derby is a historic rivalry that has produced some of the most exciting moments in Nigerian football.
Enyimba, an eight-time NPFL champion, boasts a rich history and a squad filled with experienced and talented players.
Their success on the continental stage, including two CAF Champions League titles, further cements their position as a powerhouse in African football.
Rangers, on the other hand, are one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected clubs, with a legacy that includes seven NPFL titles.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has urged the club to prioritise signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, saying he would be the perfect fit for the Red Devils. Speaking with Metro, Pallister explained that while other strikers like Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen have been linked to the club, Isak stands out because of his proven record in the Premier League.
“Alexander Isak is proven in the Premier League,” Pallister said. “He would be my ideal signing for United. He’s the one I believe can help the club get back to their best. United badly need a reliable goalscorer.” Liverpool are also reportedly in the race for Isak and Osimhen as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are determined to keep Isak after securing a UEFA Champions League spot, but reports suggest they will only consider offers in the region of £200 million for the Swedish striker.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has compared Cole Palmer to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, saying the young midfielder has quickly become the heart of Chelsea’s squad. Speaking in an interview with Prime Casino, Gallas explained that Palmer’s role in the team reminds him of how Zidane was the key figure for the French national team, stressing that Palmer’s influence at Chelsea is undeniable and he needs to be protected.
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The management of Turkish giants Galatasaray has reportedly told Victor Osimhen and his camp to speed up talks about his future and not delay their response beyond early July. This was revealed by a well-known football analyst Serkan Korkmaz during a recent update on Osimhen’s situation on Kontraspor’s YouTube channel.
According to Korkmaz, Galatasaray made it clear they don’t want the negotiations to drag endlessly. He explained, “Good news has come in for Galatasaray supporters. The club has asked Osimhen and his team to make a decision by the start of July. They want clarity on the situation soon.”
It’s understood that Galatasaray remains interested and hasn’t pulled out of the race, but they have now set a rough deadline for talks to conclude. Osimhen recently completed his loan spell with Galatasaray, which ended a few weeks ago. The Super Eagles striker, who initially joined from Napoli, is currently on summer break.
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