Felix Ifeanyi Nwosu, better known as Coach Abacha, has expressed deep satisfaction with the strides made by the Rangers U19 team, applauding their rapid development and commitment to excellence in youth football.
The Enugu Rangers U19 boss described the project as one of Nigeria’s finest youth setups. "Our job is all about development," he said. "We are here to expose these talented kids and prepare them for the limelight of professional football."
Launched in September last year, the initiative has already borne fruit. Four players Prince, Odera, Chukwudi, and Olisa have moved up to the senior team and are now competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). In total, over eight players have secured positions with various clubs across the country.
Coach Abacha revealed ambitious plans to further elevate the team’s exposure, with a European tour being planned for the summer. Beyond football performance, he praised the team’s inclusive culture, highlighting unity across backgrounds and beliefs. "We don’t discriminate. We have boys from all tribes and religions. We eat together, pray together, and win together."
Under his guidance, the Rangers U19 side has produced a stellar record: 27 wins, 2 draws, and just 3 losses from 32 matches. With this strong performance, Coach Abacha is now calling for a showdown with some of Nigeria’s most elite academies.
"Bring on Beyond Limits FA and then we can have the discussion," he challenged.
Coach Abacha, a well-travelled and highly certified coach, boasts experience across Africa and Europe, having worked with clubs in Kenya, Somalia, and Nigeria. His qualifications span institutions in England, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Kenya.
Editorial
In a country bursting with raw footballing talent, the importance of structured youth development cannot be overstated. Coach Abacha’s leadership at Rangers U19 is a perfect case study of what happens when commitment meets vision.
We often lament the exodus of talent and lack of long-term planning, yet here’s a project demonstrating that with the right framework, Nigerian players can be nurtured locally and launched globally. Abacha’s belief in inclusivity and discipline sets a tone that transcends football—it builds character, fosters unity, and prepares young athletes not just for the game, but for life.
The numbers don’t lie. A 27-win record out of 32 matches isn’t luck. It’s the result of daily discipline, tactical awareness, and trust in a developmental process. These boys aren’t just kicking balls; they’re laying foundations for professional careers.
We’re particularly encouraged by the planned European tour. Exposure is vital, and the willingness to test their mettle abroad shows ambition. Nigeria’s footballing future won’t only be defined by senior national team success it begins in places like this.
The challenge to Beyond Limits FA is more than banter it’s a call for competitive standards, the kind that pushes everyone to be better. And we welcome it. Nigerian youth football thrives when excellence meets excellence.
Let’s continue to invest in structures like Rangers U19. Because if this is what’s happening at the grassroots level, the future just might be golden.
Did You Know?
- Enugu Rangers are one of Nigeria’s oldest and most successful football clubs, founded in 1970.
- Beyond Limits FA, mentioned by Coach Abacha, is the academy arm of Remo Stars FC, known for its structured development pathway.
- CAF (Confederation of African Football) coaching licenses like the ones Abacha holds are tiered from C to Pro, with 'B' allowing coaching at national league level.
- The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) does not yet have a fully integrated youth league system, making projects like Rangers U19 even more essential.
- Abacha's previous experience includes coaching Dream Stars Ladies FC, a club in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.
