Exclusive: Working Alongside Eguavoen is One of the Best Things that Has Ever Happened to Me, Says Ilechukwu

Rangers International and assistant to the Super Eagles gaffer Fidelis Ilechukwu has revealed that his coaching career has experienced an astronomical boost due to his partnership with Austin Eguavoen in the national team.

Coach Ilechukwu, a league title-winning coach and one of the youngest gaffers in Nigeria, has described his recent position as the best opportunity to work with top players and coaches.

Aside from assisting as one of the home-based coaches for CHAN qualifiers years back, the Mountain of Fire FC, Heartland, and Plateau United FC former coach has gained valuable experience.

Ilechukwu, alongside Daniel Ogunmodede, was appointed last September to assist technical director-cum coach Eguavoen with tactical issues.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, coach Fidelis opened up about his experience working with Coach Eguavoen and the Super Eagles.

"Working with the national team is a big experience, and I'm grateful to be a part of it," he said. "Coach Eguavoen is a good coach, a mentor, and a father figure. He loves people, and he's a good teacher. I've learned a lot from him, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with him."

He further added that building relationships with the national team players and members has been a huge experience for him as a coach. "For me, the national team is one of the best things that has happened to me. It's a big experience, working with the big boys and other top coaches like Eguavoen."

A Partnership Built on Trust

Coach Fidelis attributed the partnership with Coach Eguavoen to a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. "I've been able to work seamlessly with coach Eguavoen, and we've been able to achieve great things together. He's given me the freedom to contribute my ideas, and I've been able to learn from him."

What's Next?

Fidelis emphasised that the focus is now on preparing for the next international break window for the World Cup qualifiers. "As we have qualified for the AFCON, what's important is getting ourselves prepared ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in 2025."

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles, under coach Eguavoen, recorded a defeat during the AFCON qualification series, after confirming their spot for the Nations Cup in Morocco. The team played six games, recording three wins, including a walkover approved by CAF over Libya, two draws, and a loss.

Fidelis reiterated that the team would get better ahead of the next international window, which is in March 2025.

Discipline keeps Rangers going

Despite Ilechukwu’s busy schedule, Enugu Rangers have managed to stay six games unbeaten in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), which has led them to contest for the top three positions.

Currently, in the fifth position with 20 points, Fidelis attributed their recent resurgence to the club's discipline and tactics. "We are six games unbeaten because we are disciplined and we understand what it takes to do that, and we are doing that right now."

He praised his assistants for their role in helping the team whenever he travels for national assignments. "Once you have a capable assistant, it's a great one. My assistant coaches are capable, they do the job so well in my absence.

"If you check what they have done, getting points in two away games in Kwara and Plateau United, that shows that they are capable. Also, I was absent in our last match against Bendel Insurance, a very tactical and technical team, still, we won the game. This shows that they are capable and can do a perfect job without me," he concluded.