Rangers Edge Warri Wolves As Coaches Praise Pre-Season Friendly

Rangers International of Enugu secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in an entertaining pre-season friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday.

The encounter provided both teams with a valuable opportunity to assess their preparations ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with the technical crews using the fixture to evaluate new signings, improve tactical organisation, strengthen squad cohesion and build match fitness.

For reigning NPFL champions Rangers, the fixture was particularly significant as the Flying Antelopes prepare to defend their domestic crown while also getting ready for the demands of the CAF Champions League.

Warri Wolves, meanwhile, are gearing up for their return to Nigeria’s top flight after securing promotion and will be hoping to re-establish themselves among the country’s football elite.

Rangers Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who spoke through his assistant, Odita Okechukwu, after the match, described the encounter as a productive exercise, stressing that player assessment and tactical development were more important than the result.

“We are pleased with the response of the players. The result is positive, but our priority was to evaluate the new signings, assess their adaptability and continue building a squad capable of competing successfully in both the NPFL and the CAF Champions League,” Ilechukwu said.

The match formed part of Rangers’ preparations to sharpen their tactical cohesion and integrate their new additions into Ilechukwu’s football philosophy before the competitive campaign gets under way.

Warri Wolves Technical Adviser, Hassan Abdallah, shared a similar assessment of the encounter, describing it as an important step in his side’s preparations to build a competitive squad for their return to the NPFL.

The experienced tactician explained that the wholesale changes made during the second half were deliberate, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess virtually every member of the squad while helping the new signings develop an understanding with the existing players.

“The objective was to fine-tune the squad and build understanding among the players. We gave almost everyone an opportunity because these matches are about evaluation, tactical discipline and improving team chemistry,” Abdallah said.

“From what I saw, I am encouraged and we will continue to work on the areas that need improvement before the season begins.”

Abdallah also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its continued support of the Seasiders, while appealing for sustained backing as the club seeks to consolidate its return to the NPFL.

Despite Rangers claiming the victory, the two technical crews agreed that the primary purpose of the friendly went beyond the result, with the fixture offering both sides valuable minutes, tactical lessons and an opportunity to assess squad depth.

With the new season approaching, Rangers and Warri Wolves will now continue fine-tuning their squads as they seek to enter the 2026/27 campaign in optimal physical, tactical and mental condition.