Rangers International captain Chinemerem Ugwueze remains confident that the Flying Antelopes have what it takes to successfully defend their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season, Softfootball report.
The seven-time Nigerian champions lifted their seventh league crown last season to secure a place in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League. However, their continental campaign ended in disappointment after suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Angola’s Sagrada FC in the final preliminary round.
Despite the early CAF exit, Ugwueze believes Rangers have the quality and determination to challenge for another domestic title and earn a return to continental football.
The 23-year-old midfielder admitted the campaign is still in its early stages but insisted the squad remains fully focused on achieving its objective of retaining the league crown.
He also revealed his personal ambition of lifting the NPFL trophy once again as captain of the Enugu-based side.
Reflecting on Rangers’ goalless draw away to Akwa United, Ugwueze described the result as a positive one, noting that while victory was the initial target, the point gained could prove valuable as the season progresses.
He stressed that the team intends to build on that performance and improve in subsequent matches, both home and away.
Rangers currently occupy eighth position on the NPFL table with 11 points, trailing league leaders Rivers United by nine points ahead of Matchday Nine fixtures.
The Flying Antelopes will travel to Ilorin this weekend to face Kwara United, and Ugwueze remains optimistic about the encounter, revealing that the team has already intensified preparations and is determined to secure a positive result on the road.
