Governor of Enugu state , Dr Peter Mbah has rewarded players, coaches and management of Rangers International Football Club with plots of land and a total cash package of N150 million following the club’s successful Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title-winning .
Gov Mbah lifting the trophy
Speaking during a reception for the team at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, Mbah announced that each player would receive a plot of land in Enugu metropolis and share N100 million, while the technical crew and management would receive N50 million and plots of land.
The governor disclosed that Certificates of Occupancy for the land allocations would be issued from next week, describing Rangers’ feat of winning the NPFL title twice in three years as a remarkable achievement that has brought honour and pride to Enugu State.
Rangers team and supporters
“You have made Enugu State proud. You have carried our hopes, expectations and emotions. Winning and lifting the NPFL trophy twice in three years is no mean feat,” Mbah said.
He commended the players for their resilience, discipline and sacrifices, noting that their success reflected values of teamwork, consistency and self-belief.
According to him, Rangers remains more than a football club, having become a symbol of hope, unity and resilience for the people of Enugu State.
“Rangers is beyond football. It symbolises resilience and social renewal. What everybody sees is the trophy, but very few see the sacrifices, the injuries, the early morning training sessions and the discipline that made the success possible,” he added.
Mbah assured the team of continued government support, describing sports as a viable sector capable of driving social and economic development.
He also challenged the club to set its sights beyond domestic success and pursue continental glory.
Rangers team in a group photograph with Gov Mbah ( m)
“Today, you are on the brink of walking the path of legends. What will etch your names permanently in the book of legends is bringing back the continental trophy,” the governor stated.
Mbah further revealed that the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would position the facility to host the club’s continental engagements.
The Champions showcasing the trophy
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu Jnr, attributed Rangers’ recent success to the governor’s sustained investment in sports development and infrastructure.
He noted that Mbah had become the first governor in the history of Enugu State to oversee the winning of two major football trophies within three years.
“Sports development has been at the centre of your development agenda in Enugu State, and we are deeply grateful,” Ekweremadu said.
The commissioner cited Enugu State’s victory at the National Para Games earlier this year and Rangers’ league triumph as evidence that government investment in sports was yielding results.
He also highlighted the growing national recognition of Rangers players and officials, including the appointment of Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu as assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
In his remarks, Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, described the club’s achievement as a product of visionary leadership, discipline and collective commitment.
“Today is not merely a celebration of a football trophy. It is a celebration of vision, leadership and what becomes possible when government, management, players and supporters align behind a common purpose,” Ezeaku said.
Rangers GM Ezeagu middle
He praised Mbah for creating an enabling environment that has helped Rangers secure two major trophies within three years and urged stakeholders to support the club’s ambition of becoming a continental force.
“Rangers is not merely a Nigerian club. Rangers is one of Africa’s great football brands,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with sustained investment and strategic planning, the club could challenge for the CAF Champions League title and compete with the continent’s biggest teams.
He concluded by commending the governor for restoring Rangers to the summit of Nigerian football.
“History will remember that under your watch, Rangers returned to the summit of Nigerian football and added two major trophies to its illustrious cabinet within three years,” he stated.
