Rangers technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu cut a disappointed figure after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Warri Wolves in matchday two of the 2025-2026 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.
The former NPFL champions are still without a win this season, and Ilechukwu admitted that his tactical gamble in pursuit of an equaliser proved costly last weekend.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. When we were a goal down, we took the risk by reducing the numbers in midfield and increasing the numbers in attack to look for a goal, and that resulted in conceding the second goal,” he said.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City head coach Ali Kandil was left ruing his team’s slow start in their goalless draw with El-Kanemi Warriors. The Egyptian tactician didn’t mince words about his side’s shortcomings.
“We lacked intensity in the first half. It’s a tough result to take,” Kandil admitted. “It’s always hard to play against teams that play mid block and low block.”
For Niger Tornadoes, a narrow 1-0 loss to Enyimba could have turned out differently, according to head coach Majin Mohammed. Despite the defeat, he struck an optimistic tone, pointing to missed early chances as the turning point.
“It was a good game. We had two early chances which we couldn’t score, they got their chance & converted it. This is just the beginning, we’ll go back & prepare for our next game,” Mohammed said.
Abia Warriors boss Imama Amapakabo also chose to look ahead after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United in Lafia.
“We lost, you know, but we have to go back to do a whole lot in terms of what we were able to do today,” Amapakabo remarked.
His opposite number, Mbwas Mangut, expressed delight with Nasarawa’s performance, praising his players’ aggressive start that ultimately earned them their first win of the season.
“We deserved the maximum points. My players came out smoking from the first half, creating a lot of opportunities, even though our opponents also had their playing time,” Mangut said.
After the conclusion of the NPFL matchday two, Bayelsa United occupy the top spot in the league table, followed by Warri Wolves and El-kanemi Warriors. Remo Stars, Rivers United, and Wikki Tourists complete the top six.
The post NPFL Coaches React As Rangers, Abia Warriors, Tornadoes Suffer Defeats, Ikorodu City Held At Home appeared first on Naija News.
