Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has announced a cash reward of N50 million in addition to non-cash gifts to Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, winners of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The governor announced this when he treated the Nigerian champions to a state banquet at the Government House, Enugu, during the weekend, thanking them for etching Enugu State on the African and global map.
Mbah said, “We are indeed very proud of you. I cannot tell you enough what this NPFL title that you have brought right here before us represents and means to us.
“Rangers International transcends generations; it is a unifying factor for us. It is not just about winning a trophy or about making us proud. It is putting Enugu State in the hearts and minds of the people of this country and beyond.
“You have made us proud, and we will in turn also make you happy. We are going to provide the sum of N50 million to you in addition to other non-cash rewards that will implant you in our state and immortalise you.”
The governor commended the General Manager for guiding the team “with a deep sense of purpose,” stressing that he fueled the optimism, “reinforcing the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that the team is known for.”
“I thank most sincerely the coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who through his professional ethics and consistency, has continued to do us proud. The captain and all the players, you are a true embodiment of the ‘Never-Say-Die’ spirit. The fans are not left out. I also commend the Commissioner, who has shown deep commitment to the success of Rangers through his tireless efforts and sacrifice,” he said.
He recalled that he had always said that success abhors complacency, adding that “we still have quite a huge space in our trophy cabinet,” and charged the players to do more.
On the CAF Champions League and other tournaments, Mbah assured that his government will never get tired of supporting the team.
“If anything, we are going to double down and reinforce our support,” he stressed.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, while commending the team, expressed profound appreciation to the governor for his personal and official support that transformed the club.
Also, the General Manager of the club, Amobi Ezeaku, who went down memory lane, appreciated Governor Mbah for taking Rangers as his special pet project.
“For two years, the club played away from home, but in a twinkle of an eye, the club came back to the Cathedral. That is why 28th December 2023, when we returned to the Cathedral, will forever be engraved in the hearts of not just Ndigbo, but all true lovers of Rangers and football.
“Today, we thank you for easing the stress of our trips, for approving corporate sponsors to get on board, for coming to watch our matches, and for braving the turbulence of the weather on that day to fly to Jos to witness the lifting of this trophy.
“It is also under you that the Rangers’ jersey is proudly instituted at the FIFA museum in Zürich, Switzerland. It is under you that the Rangers’ jersey is now known at the headquarters of African Football in the 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt. And as we speak, Rangers have been nominated in many categories by the league bloggers award,” Ezeaku said.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of Rangers Supporters Club, Dr. Uchenna Orji; club captain, Chukwudi Nwodu; and a top fan, Emmanuel Okoh, said Rangers were going into the CAF Champions League to win, assuring that they would also retain the league title and lift the FA Cup
Credit: Guardian
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