Celebrating the Flying Antelopes’ thrilling 2025/2026 league victory at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah orders stadium completion ahead of CAF continental campaigns.
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has rewarded the players, technical crew, and management of Rangers International Football Club with prime plots of land and a total cash gift of N150 million.
The grand reward follows the club’s stellar performance in clinching the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. Governor Mbah announced the packages during a celebratory state dinner reception hosted in honor of the league champions at the Government House Banquet Hall, Enugu, on Tuesday night, June 2, 2026.
The “Flying Antelopes” secured the national league title for a record-equaling ninth time after a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Ikorodu City Boys in Lagos on May 24, 2026.
This marks the club’s second league triumph under the Mbah administration within three years. While making the presentation, the Governor compared the reception to a proud parent welcoming home a child who has achieved academic excellence, noting that the victory brought immense joy to the government and people of the state.
Governor Mbah explained that the financial and real estate rewards are meant to recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by the team throughout the demanding football season.
He broke down the financial reward, earmarking N100 million for the squad and N50 million for the management and technical crew. Additionally, each player receives a plot of land in Enugu, with dedicated plots also allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Team Secretary, and Assistant Coach.
Beyond the trophies, the Governor emphasized the deep cultural and historical weight that the football club carries for the region:
“Rangers is more than a football club. It is a symbol of resilience, unity, hope, and social renewal established in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. The club carries a rich history and legacy associated with football legends such as Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala, and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha. Brace up, fight on, keep winning, and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” Governor Peter Mbah charged.
Looking ahead to the upcoming CAF Champions League, the Governor assured the team that the ongoing modernization of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadiu – popularly known as “The Cathedral” – will be completed to full international standards in time to host their continental matches.
He added that the state’s heavy investment in sports infrastructure will be on display when Enugu hosts the 2026 National Sports Festival later this year.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the Governor for his continuous investment in sports, noting that Enugu also won the National Para Games in March with 55 medals.
In his response, Rangers’ General Manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, drew inspiration from classical philosophers like Aristotle and Seneca to explain that the team’s success was built on discipline and shared vision. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the Governor, noting that the club is experiencing one of its most successful eras under the current administration.
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