---
title: "I questioned Tochi Chukwuani at half-time on Sunday, only for it to backfire in my face"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/18/i-questioned-tochi-chukwuani-backfire-rangers"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2026-08-18T12:06:07Z"
modified: "2026-08-18T12:09:28Z"
---

# I questioned Tochi Chukwuani at half-time on Sunday, only for it to backfire in my face

**On Sunday at half-time against St Mirren, I questioned Tochi Chukwuani’s Rangers performance only for it to backfire in my face.**

More of the same, please.

I wasn’t impressed with Chukwuani’s first half offering and contribution, as well as his time at the club to date, overall.

The Denmark U21 international took full advantage of an open, expansive game in the second half to send a message, and throw a wee bit of humble pie my way.

His impact, aggression, strength and forward play were all very encouraging, and he needs to build on it.

> James Penrice adds to his assist with a goal on his [@RangersFC](https://x.com/RangersFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) debut! 🔵\
> \
> He's looking like a good signing already 🙌[#PremierSportsCup](https://x.com/hashtag/PremierSportsCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/L9QLfSaTgJ](https://t.co/L9QLfSaTgJ)
>
> — Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) [August 16, 2026](https://x.com/PremSportsTV/status/2089024973956387060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Tochi Chukwuani was pivotal in Rangers excellent fourth goal

Given the bigger picture in midfield, competition for places is tough, but hopefully Derek McInnes sticks with the 4-3-3 and Chukwuani can be a beneficiary.

James Penrice’s goal on Sunday, Rangers fourth of the afternoon, was a fine team move, with Chukwuani playing an integral role.

He showed composure, athleticism and determination to make two individual impacts, directly contributing to the goal that was met with a loud appreciation by the supporters.

While Penrice got the goal, Chukwuani also deserved credit.

For me, he has been ineffective too often.

### Chukwuani better suited to 4-3-3

Like others he didn’t end last season well, and he didn’t cover himself in glory in the first leg against Jagiellonia in Poland.

McInnes’ 4-4-2 asks a lot of the centre midfielders, and he suffered because of it.

Conversely, playing as part of the [three man midfield](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/16/rangers-lineup-confirmed-james-penrice-debut) on Sunday against St Mirren, the former Sturm Graz player showed in the second half what he can offer.

Tochi Chukwuani was energetic and assertive at getting after the ball, to turn it over, and to get Rangers up the pitch. That’s what we need.

Collectively, the team played quicker.

If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, I’ll be happy to see it and to be proven wrong once more. \
\
*Note to self – Don’t break your own rule of knee-jerk half-time reactions*

Chukwuani deserves to keep his place for the visit of [Jablonec on Thursday in the Conference League](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/14/rangers-jablonec-conference-league-play-off).

> Chukwuani is anonymous again. \
> \
> What does he bring?
>
> — Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) [August 16, 2026](https://x.com/graeme818/status/2089019881828012331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)