Rangers coach Amapakabo to lose or keep job after meeting with governor

The outcome of a scheduled high profile meeting between Enugu Rangers head coach Imama Amapakabo and the state governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will determine if the embattled coach will keep his job with the Flying Antelopes or lose it.

This is following Amapakabo’s failure to pass the test of the three-match ultimatum handed to him by the management as his side drew against Remo Stars in Enugu and lost to Katsina United and to neighbours Enyimba FC of Aba.

The Nigeria champions have been experiencing a poor run since the beginning of this campaign, and the management seem to be doing everything possible to avoid an embarrassing record-breaking relegation.

But the House Committee on Sports, Enugu, have sat with the general manager of the club and have halted any decision concerning the coach until his meeting with the governor is held. Thus the former Enyimba coach will continue with the Antelopes until further notice.

“For now Imama Amapakabo will continue his reign as Enugu Rangers head coach until the proposed meeting with the state governor hopefully before the week runs out,” a source told Supersport.

“The Committee (House Committee on Sports) had held several meetings with the general manager, Christian Chukwu, the head coach, Amapakabo, the team manager, Amobi Ezeaku and the players.

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“The meeting threw up issues related to poor funding as well as players’ disenchantment over the unfulfilled promises as champions.

“Of course, it’s common knowledge that the head coach was given a three-match ultimatum which ended with the derby loss at Enyimba.

“The previous two matches ended with a loss to Katsina United and a home draw to Remo Stars in Enugu.

“The Committee is not happy with the bottom-placed status of their reigning champions in the on-going top-flight.

“The Committee has therefore asked the management to hold off on any decision on Imama Amapakabo until the proposed meeting with the governor.

“The Committee is positive that the meeting with the governor is certain to come up with firm solutions to the side’s plights, especially concerning funding and players’ welfare.

“So for now no decision will be taken on Imama until that lifeline meeting with the governor is held hopefully within the week.”

Rangers crashed out of the CAF Champions League weeks ago as they couldn’t scale past Zamalek of Egypt into the group stages, and are currently at the bottom of the Nigeria Professional Football League with three matches to spare against Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists and Sunshine Stars.

 

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