Tochi Chukwuani had seen the videos and heard the stories. On Sunday, he got the chance to meet the man himself and tap into the knowledge from an Ibrox legend.
It was already a day to remember for Chukwuani. A fine performance – both individually and collectively – was rewarded with three points as Danny Rohl’s side moved within touching distance of Hearts. After taking the acclaim of the Ibrox crowd, Chukwuani had an audience with Brian Laudrup alongside team-mate Andreas Skov Olsen.
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The winger has previously spoken about how he sought Laudrup’s advice before he made the move to Ibrox from Wolfsburg last month. Chukwuani had no previous relationship with the nine-in-a-row legend and the opportunity to share a conversation and pose for a photograph meant a lot to the midfielder.
“Yeah, this was really a great experience,” Chukwuani said. “He is a legend here and also a legend in Denmark. That was my first time meeting him and you just have goosebumps when you are standing next to him. I think it was really great to meet him and he also gave some nice advice on the way.
“Obviously it was before my time, but you always watch the video footage from back then and just the display of how he used to play and everything. I think that speaks for itself.
“Yes [winning the title] is what we all dream of. It would mean the world to me to achieve that.”
The win over Hearts was a significant step in the right direction in that regard. Having been written off as title no-hopers when Rohl succeeded Russell Martin, Rangers are now very much involved in the sprint for the finishing line.
Chukwuani is bidding for a second successive triumph after winning the Austrian Bundesliga with Sturm Graz last term. On that occasion, the fight was resolved on goal difference. The experience of that battle with Austrian Wien will come in useful in the weeks ahead.
“One thing I must say is having the depth of the squad,” Chukwuani said. “You can see now we have really high competition in the squad and I think that competition is very healthy. It pushes each player to deliver each training and to be on it every match.
“I think it was more exciting for the fans rather than the players. As players I think we had more belief in ourselves that we would do it.
“We basically just tried to keep our heads down and focus on each game. When you are really just focusing on each game I don't think you get too much ahead when you just try to focus on the main object which is in the weekend. Doing that helped us to put everything into the weekend's game and really focus to get the three points.”
The influence of Chukwuani will be crucial for Rangers over the last 11 league fixtures. As well as having their sights set on the league flag, Rohl’s side are also in the hunt for the Scottish Cup and the double-header with Celtic will shape aspirations at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old has made an immediate impact following his £4million move last month. He has slotted into the midfield with ease and is already one of the main players within Rohl’s ranks.
There is no definitive time for the settling in process to be completed. Chukwuani credits the squad that he has come in to for making his transition from Graz to Glasgow as easy as possible.
“I think what has been behind that is how great the boys really have been and also the coaching staff,” Chukwuani said. “It has been very easy to settle into this group. Everybody has been really welcoming and everybody is ready to help each other and try to improve each other.
“That just goes to show on the pitch as well that when you go on the pitch you just feel very, very comfortable. You feel like you can just plug in and play. That has really helped a lot that the group is how they are. I think that is a big credit to the boys and the staff.
“I can't really point out one of the group. I think everybody has been really, really good at it. Whether it is in training or just small details. The small details like maybe in a training incident where my positioning or something like that they have been quick to help me adjust.
“These small things is what helps me as well on the pitch. You can just go in and play more free. There is still room for improvement but I think we have had a good start so far.”
The rise and rise of Rangers under Rohl’s guidance has been remarkable. The challenge now is to finish the job that has been started and a trip to face Livingston is the next must-win match for a team who top the form table since the German’s appointment in October.
Electric atmosphere 😮💨 💙 pic.twitter.com/bmNN0MtKzU
— Tochi Phil Chukwuani (@TChukwuani_) February 16, 2026
Last week was one of twists and turns as Rangers were held by Motherwell before seeing off the league leaders. Hearts host Falkirk on Saturday, while Celtic are at home to Hibernian at the same time as Rohl’s side face the Lions. That is the only match that really matters for those in blue.
“Yeah, in title races we just try to focus game by game and the last game was a great one and it was a great confidence booster,” Chukwuani said. “We try to use this confidence for the next games.
“We know there is still improvement in aspects of the game. It will be great for us now to have a full week where we can train and really focus on the tactical aspects and then try to bring it into the upcoming games.
“I try to push myself in training a lot because I feel like in training that is where the work is done behind the scenes. That is what the fans don't really see and I think when I do that work I influence the others by the way I train. I try to bring my training onto the pitch on game day so I feel like that is the main thing.”
Rangers will make the journey along the M8 in understandably high spirits. The win last weekend was their finest showing of Rohl’s reign as Youssef Chermiti inspired Rangers with a hat-trick and sparked scenes of celebration at Ibrox.
Rohl spoke about the building belief and momentum at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning. Those messages were then reaffirmed as Chukwuani looked ahead to his first trip to Livingston.
“The mood is good,” Chukwuani said. “It was a great win in the weekend and the atmosphere was really fantastic from the fans.
"We could really feel the energy and the high spirit from the fans and we are trying to use this energy to go against Livingston and make three points.
“I think the main thing is just to not get carried away. To just try to keep our heads down and do the work. When we do the work I think the work will also show on the pitch.”
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