Ifeanyi Okechukwu: My Goals at Rangers This Season

New Rangers International midfielder Ifeanyi Okechukwu is ready to make his mark at the current NPFL champions. He recently joined the Enugu club on a deal that lasts until 2028.

The 21-year-old midfielder comes to Rangers after playing for Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, and Nasarawa United. He believes his time at these different NPFL clubs has set him up for the challenges of playing for one of Nigeria's biggest football teams.

In this chat with PREMIUM TIMES, Okechukwu shares why he picked Rangers over other NPFL teams, his goals under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, his role in midfield, Rangers’ title defence and plans for continental competition. He also talks about his dreams of playing in Europe.

Excerpts…

PT: You have joined Rangers, the NPFL champions, on a deal until 2028. How did the talks go when the chance to join the Flying Antelopes came up, and what made you decide that Rangers was the right move for you?

Okechukwu: When I got the call last season, I told them to hold on until the season ended. I had other clubs interested, like Rivers United, Katsina United, and my former team, Niger Tornadoes.

I wanted to wait for any chance to move to Europe. But I knew I had to make a choice once the season was over.

So, I prayed for guidance, and my heart picked Rangers. It is one of the clubs I really like. I have always wanted to wear the white-and-red jersey, so I couldn’t say no.

It is not just because they are champions. The manager is also a great coach who can help me improve every day. That was another big reason I chose Rangers.

PT: You have played for Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, and Nasarawa United. What did you learn from those clubs, and how have those experiences prepared you for playing at a championship-winning club like Rangers?

Okechukwu: I know every NPFL club has its own unique experience.

When I joined Enyimba, I felt a lot of pressure because they are a huge club, not just in Nigeria but in Africa too. My time there was very different from what I experienced at Tornadoes and Nasarawa United.

I feel the same here at Rangers. Rangers is a big club with the same mentality, so you have to elevate your game no matter the pressure.

That’s something every top player deals with when they move to a big club. I am ready whenever I get the chance to wear the white-and-red jersey.

PT: Rangers are the reigning champions and have high expectations for the 2026/27 season. How do you plan to handle the pressure of joining a team where winning is the only goal?

Okechukwu: Laughs. Winning is always on my mind. I have that mentality, so the pressure won’t break me.

Instead, it will push me to improve my game daily. When you come to a big club, you need to show that winning mentality.

As I said, I am ready for the challenge. It is about winning for the biggest club in the country right now.

PT: What do you think about Rangers’ midfield options, and where do you see yourself in Fidelis Ilechukwu’s plans? Are you coming to compete for a starting spot, or are you ready to earn your place?

Okechukwu: In football, nobody joins a club as the guaranteed starter. I don’t believe that. Everyone has to fight for their place.

I am not the only quality player who has been signed. Rangers have brought in many good players, just like me.

I am ready to compete for my position because there are established players who did well in the same role last season.

It will be tough, but that is normal in football. Everyone needs to work hard to earn their spot.

Our technical adviser is very tactical. He can put you in any position he wants. But I believe I will play in the number 10 position this season.

PT: At just 21, you are making a big move at a key time in your career. What areas of your game do you want to improve at Rangers, and what kind of midfielder should fans expect to see this season?

Okechukwu: When you are young, you have to fight to rise. My dreams are very big.

Fans should expect a solid player because I am a mobile midfielder, and I believe they will like that.

They will see good football, assists, and goals, by God’s grace. I believe that.

PT: Rangers will face both local and international challenges this season. Does the chance to play on the African stage influence your choice to join the club, and what would it mean to test yourself against Africa's best teams?

Okechukwu: Yes, I want to play against top clubs on the continent, which influenced my decision to join Rangers.

But it’s not just about playing against them. It’s about winning and proving we are ready for that level.

I have a lot of confidence in this team, and they trust me too. I know that when we unite, we can beat any club, whether in Europe or Africa.

So, we are ready for the big stage.

PT: The NPFL is getting more competitive, with clubs investing heavily. Do you think Rangers have what it takes to defend their title, and what will be the biggest challenge in retaining the championship?

Okechukwu: Laughs. Yes. Everyone is recruiting quality players because the NPFL is among the best leagues in Africa.

Clubs don’t want to fall behind, so it’s not just about playing; it’s about the badge. Rangers have the best squad right now, and the quality of players they signed shows they want to lift the trophy again.

We know it won’t be easy. As I said, we will fight in every game, taking it one match at a time.

We pray that in the end, we will be champions again.

PT: You have moved between several NPFL clubs at a young age. Looking back, what has been your biggest challenge, and was there a moment you doubted reaching this level?

Okechukwu: Laughs. Yes, I have questioned myself.

I remember when I was playing in the NNL with Sokoto United. We qualified for the Super Eight in Enugu, and I invited my elder brother to watch me play.

At the same time, an NPFL match was on. It was a big game we wanted to watch while playing in the Super Eight.

It was Enugu Rangers versus Enyimba, and they were fighting for the league title. I was sitting with my brother, and the crowd was exciting to see.

My brother said, “Ifeanyi, I wish you were playing in this match. I would be happier than anyone.”

I told him, “Big bro, you see these two teams? You will remember this. I will play for both.” He laughed and asked, “How is that possible?” I looked at him and said, “Okay.”

But today, it has happened. I told him, “Bro, I have played for Enyimba and now Rangers.” He clapped and said, “You will go far. Your heart is too big.”

But I told him that I am not the one; I have a big God and faith. He said the journey is not over. I also told him I would play in Europe, and now he believes me.

So, I did not doubt myself. I just worked and prayed. That is my strength.

PT: Finally, what promise do you want to make to the Rangers supporters ahead of the new season? What do you want to achieve this season that will mark a key moment in your career?

Okechukwu: I want to make a statement with the club. I am focused on achieving this. I also ask for their support and belief in me. I will always give my best for them every time I am called, and I promise not to let them down.