Enugu Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu has downplayed talk of winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season, despite his side currently leading the standings.

The Flying Antelopes, as Rangers are nicknamed, sit atop the table with 54 points after 31 matches, two points ahead of nearest challengers Enyimba. This lead comes after displacing Lobi Stars from the top spot several weeks ago.

However, Ilechukwu insists that the championship is not the primary focus for his team.

“I’m not thinking about the title,” Ilechukwu told reporters via [invalid URL removed]. “Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Remo Stars are thinking about it.”

Ilechukwu explained his approach, prioritizing building a strong team foundation for the future. “We have a very young team and structure is what we are thinking of. Maybe next season we will talk about the title. If I’m thinking about that, I will be under pressure and I don’t want to be under pressure because the management did not tell me about that.”

Despite downplaying the title race, Rangers boast an impressive record. They share the highest number of wins (16) in the NPFL this season and previously enjoyed a 10-game unbeaten run before defeats to Katsina United and Rivers United.

“What we are doing is taking the game one at a time and we are positive,” Ilechukwu said, emphasizing his focus on the immediate future.

Enugu Rangers will look to maintain their lead when they host Plateau United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in their next league fixture.