“Will never take this for granted” – New Super Eagles assistant coach embraces national duty with humility

Fidelis Ilechukwu, newly appointed as an assistant coach for Nigeria's Super Eagles, has described his new role as a patriotic duty and an opportunity for hard work, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Enugu Rangers head coach was selected by interim manager Augustine Eguavoen to join the coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Alongside Ilechukwu, Remo Stars’ head coach Daniel Ogunmodede was also chosen to help the Super Eagles in their crucial encounters against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs and Rwanda’s Amavubi.

Expressing his gratitude, Ilechukwu wrote on his X page, “A call to serve Nigeria and an opportunity for more hard work — we will never take this for granted. Thank you for the good wishes and the congratulatory messages. I'm humbled.”

https://twitter.com/FidelisILE/status/1830595920943026621

His appointment follows a successful season where he led the Flying Antelopes to triumph in Nigeria’s top football division, with Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars finishing in second place.

The Super Eagles’ coaching team for the qualifiers is further strengthened by the inclusion of Tomaz Zorec, a fitness trainer from Slovenia, goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, and match analyst Eboboritse Uwejamomere.

The players and coaching staff are expected to convene in Uyo on Monday to begin preparations for their first qualifier against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, set for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Following the match in Uyo, the team will head to Kigali on Sunday for their second qualifier against the Amavubi (Bees) of Rwanda.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, with kickoff at 3 pm local time (2 pm Nigeria time).

The Super Eagles are determined to make a strong start in their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification, and Ilechukwu’s appointment is seen as a vital addition to the team’s leadership.