Fidelis Ilechukwu expresses concern over Rangers International’s goal conversion in CAF Champions League

Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has voiced his concerns about his team’s poor goal conversion rate during their 2024/2025 CAF Champions League campaign.

The reigning Nigeria league champions advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Comoros Islands champions, U.S. de Zilimadjou.

Despite the overall success, Ilechukwu was not entirely satisfied with the team’s performance, particularly in their 1-1 draw in the second leg, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on August 23, 2024.

“We are happy to have qualified for the next round of the competition, but I believe that we did not up our game today against the Comoros champions. This goes a long way to show the mystery of the game of football,” Ilechukwu stated during his post-match interview.

The coach expressed his worry about the team’s difficulty in converting chances but remained hopeful about improving before the next registration window.

“Sure, I am worried at our rate of converting chances, but I am optimistic about getting over this challenge before the next window for new registration. I believe that the start of the new league season will go a long way in helping us stabilize with regards to cohesive play from my players,” he added.

Despite the draw, Rangers International advanced to the next round, where they will face either St. Louis F.C of Seychelles or Sagrada Esperança F.C of Angola. The Angolan side currently holds a 1-0 lead from the first leg played in Seychelles.