Olusesan Oba
Newly crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Rangers International FC of Enugu, have announced their readiness to compete in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League, starting in August this year.
The announcement was made by the club’s General Manager, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, during a press briefing ahead of the presentation of the NPFL trophy to their supporters in Enugu. Ezeaku was accompanied by the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, Dr. Ike Chioke, and the Honorable Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lioyd Ekweremadu.
Ezeaku expressed Rangers’ unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria in the African elite club competition, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. “We are prepared to fly the nation’s flag high in the CAF Champions League,” he stated.
The General Manager also revealed that the club had scouted seasoned players across the continent to strengthen the squad for the demanding competition. “We have identified key talents who we believe will bolster our team and help us navigate through the rigorous matches,” Ezeaku added.
He extended his gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah and the state ministry of sports for their unwavering support during the last season’s campaign. Ezeaku also praised Afrinvest, the club’s shirt sponsor, for their exceptional support that went beyond the contractual agreement, ensuring better performance, especially in away matches.
Reflecting on the club’s recent NPFL victory, Ezeaku emphasized the importance of focusing on general development, particularly improving the club’s facilities. “Our triumph in the NPFL is just the beginning. We must now look towards enhancing our infrastructure to maintain and exceed our current performance levels,” he concluded.
With their eyes set on the CAF Champions League, Rangers International FC is determined to make a significant impact on the continental stage, building on their domestic success and showcasing the talent and resilience of Nigerian football.
“What our victory means is that we must look at the development of the facilities.
“We’ve gone round Africa to scout for players that will fit into era we’re entering now, which is the CAF Champions League. We’re going to do our best to make us proud on the African continent
“We’re not just going to participate but compete favourably because we now have the means and the support base to do that.
“We believe that that the kind of coaches we have, we will rule Africa”, Ezeaku said.
The group managing director of Afrinvest, Dr Chioke commending Rangers for their victory said that sponsoring Rangers Jessy and supporting them was the best deal they have had.
He disclosed that Rangers has helped market them across the world as the best trusted cooperate organization to do business with.
Earlier, the Hon. Ekweremadu expressed gratitude to Gov. Peter Mbahs support which contributed immensely to the Rangers Victory as new champion of NPFL.
He assured that the state government would do everything to make sure that Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium wears a new look and meet international standard before the CAF competition commence.
Ekweremadu disclosed that state government has concluded arrangements to build stadium across all the senatorial district to enhance sport development.
