Four years after quitting MFM, in a heartfelt interview, Fidelis Ilechukwu, the new head coach of Rangers International has opened up about his deep connection with his former club, MFM FC, where he spent an impressive 13 years at the helm.
Ilechukwu during a Sunday night interview anchored by UK-based Nigerian journalist, Abayomi Ademetan on the Lets Gist Naija platform, expressed his affection for the club, emphasizing the profound impact it had on his career and personal development.
“MFM is me, and I am MFM,” declared Ilechukwu, underlining the inseparable bond he shares with his former club.
He credits MFM for moulding him into the coach he is today, providing him with opportunities, belief, and confidence. Recalling how the club plucked him from obscurity, Ilechukwu holds MFM in the highest regard, second only to his faith in God. He considers MFM as a parent, and he feels a deep responsibility to handle the club with utmost care and respect.
“MFM made me, nurtured me, gave me a chance, belief and confidence. They picked me out of nowhere. After God, it is MFM, anything that has to do with MFM I am careful. MFM is like my parent and the child must make sure that he handles the parent with care because without the parent, the child will not be in existence. So I hope one day, MFM will return to the NPFL.” Ilechukwu said.
Expressing his concern for MFM’s current situation, Ilechukwu revealed his hopes for the club’s return to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). He expressed a strong desire to prevent the club from becoming extinct within his lifetime.
While he is currently fully focused on his responsibilities at Rangers International, Ilechukwu envisions a future where he can contribute to MFM’s revival.
Ilechukwu emphasized that his intention to revive MFM is not driven by personal ambitions to manage the team. Instead, he seeks to ensure the continued existence and success of the club he holds dear. He expressed his determination to engage in discussions with the club’s founder, Dr. Kayode Olukoya, to explore avenues for bringing MFM back to its rightful place.
“For now, I am concentrating on Rangers but in the nearest future, there are many things we can do to bring MFM back to where it belongs. Not because we want to manage the team but to see its continued existence. One day we’ll speak with Daddy (Dr Kayode Olukoya) to bring the team back.” the 45-year-old coach said.