NPFL: Ilechukwu Hails Rangers' Fighting Spirit After Late Draw in Kano

Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu praised his players' never-give-up attitude after they got a dramatic 2-2 draw against Barau FC in their NPFL Matchday 8 fixture in Kano on Sunday.

Rangers went ahead through Ifeanyi Okechukwu in the 38th minute, but Barau fought back after the break with two penalties from Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau. Just when the hosts looked set for victory, Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo struck in stoppage time to rescue a point.

Ilechukwu said the result showed the importance of fighting until the final whistle.

"We are happy. It's a great game. Today's game teaches us that you don't have to give up, even until the final whistle. You don't have to give up, even in a second to go. Anything can still happen in football. When we were 2-1 down, I kept on telling my boys, It is very, very possible. We can do it. We don't have to give up.' And at the end of the day, I think we smile going home because getting a point here is not an easy one.

The Rangers coach also admitted his side was stretched by injuries and fatigue from a congested schedule, but he was full of praise for the players who stepped in during the game.

The late goal kept Rangers at the top of the NPFL table and reinforced Ilechukwu's message that no game is over until the final whistle.