“Enyimba is the Best Team in Nigeria ”- Ilechukwu Says Ahead of Oriental Derby

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2024

Photo source: Google

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.

“I Am Really Disappointed” — Mikel Arteta Reacts to Brighton Defeat

Published

17 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about his team’s performance after the Gunners suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks on the aftermath of the match and shares his analysis of the team and how they lost 3-0 to Brighton.

Speaking on the match, he shared: “I am really disappointed. In the first 20 or 30 minutes, the number of technical errors put us constantly under pressure. It was all related to the start.”

It can be noted that the team had been having a winning streak so far but fell at this match against Brighton.

Arsenal had won their opening four Premier League matches before the defeat, with the loss ending their perfect start to the season.

Enzo Maresca Reminds Man United of 2023 Derby Error After Controversial City Goal

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has spoken on the controversial offside goal in Manchester City’s recent derby win over Manchester United and shared how Manchester United had actually benefited from a similar decision in the past.

He recalled that three years ago, Manchester United won a derby game against Manchester City with a goal that was allowed to stand despite an offside decision.

“Three years ago, we lost the Derby at Old Trafford with a goal that had to be disallowed. No one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology, Sometimes it happens for you, sometimes against you. It’s football.”

The comments came after Manchester City’s 1–0 win over Manchester United, in which Erling Haaland’s goal was initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision. The refereeing body later acknowledged that the decision was incorrect.

Sport

UEFA Confirms Venues for 2028 and 2029 European Club Finals

Published

5 days ago

September 15, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

UEFA has announced the venues that will host the major European club finals in 2028 and 2029.

The 2028 Europa League final will take place at the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania, while Belgrade’s National Stadium in Serbia will host the 2029 final.

For the Europa Conference League, Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy, will stage the 2028 final, with the 2029 edition set to take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

The Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam will host the 2027 UEFA Super Cup, followed by the Astana Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the 2028 edition.

Meanwhile, the 2028 Champions League final will be played at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany, while Barcelona’s Camp Nou will host the 2029 final.