Free-scoring, attacking full-back, Chidera Eze, who has retraced his steps back to the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C after two seasons of sojourn to three premiership sides has stated that he came back to help the team win trophies and play continental football again in the Coal City.
Chidera, who last featured for the ‘Oluyole Warriors’, 3SC in the 2021/2022 football season is positive ahead of the fast approaching 2022/2023 season as the quality of legs recruited by the coaches and management was enough encouragement for him to be optimistic.
The defender who has the knack for joining the attack in the team’s build-up play has been assigned squad number 20 that was left behind by former captain, Tope Olusesi, and the Enugu brought-up said, “It is a great thing to be back with this club, I feel glad and happy to have reunited with the club that gave me the base. As for the jersey number, I feel very comfortable with it and hope to be inspired by it to make positive contributions towards the team’ set target this season.”
On his sojourn to other clubs since his last romance with the seven-time league champions, Chidera said, “It has not been an easy journey, playing for other clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) but thanks to God that I came back sound and healthy. I will give my all to ensure that Rangers pursue and capture the league, the Aiteo cup title, and crown it all with a continental ticket.”
He further stated that his personal drive for success and the quality of coaches and players in the team motivated his return, stressing, “Things have changed a lot in the club, starting from the coaching crew and the players, and I have no doubt in their abilities just as our technical adviser, coach Abdul Maikaba is well respected and have been a serial cup winner. Motivation for winning all that is available this season won’t be lacking here as there is quality in all departments for us to succeed.”
He stated that the experiences gathered playing in three regions of the country will be handy for him as he rejoined his boyhood club, Rangers, stressing, “Rangers is a household name in the League. Rangers is a worldwide known team, a team that the Igbos are proud of with lots of positive history. I have also played in Gombe United and Shooting Stars but Stars is a great team in the Western side of the country with a rich history”,
“It was a memorable journey for me to pass through those clubs but I did not think twice about rejoining Rangers. When I got a call from Rangers, I was glad but I thought it was just a joke until I got a call from the club Management to come back home and I wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity with both hands.”
Recall that lack of game time in his first season with the club contributed in no small measure to his seeking greener pasture in ‘Oriental Rivals’, Heartland where he distinguished himself and moved on to have stints with Gombe United and Shooting Stars Sports Club in the ended season from where he was contacted to return home.
/Norbert Okolie
