Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State rolled out the red carpet for Rangers International Football Club on Tuesday night, rewarding the players and management with N150 million in cash and plots of land for clinching the 2025/2026 NPFL title. The announcement came during a dinner reception at Government House, Enugu, where the governor celebrated the team’s historic achievement.
Rangers secured the Nigerian topflight league for a record-equaling ninth time, and their second title in three years under Mbah’s administration, after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos on May 24, 2026. Mbah drew a poignant parallel, likening the reception to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, emphasizing the joy felt by the government and people of Enugu State.
“We are providing you with a cash gift of N100 million for the players and N50 million for the technical and management crew,” Mbah announced. “In addition, we have approved a plot of land in Enugu for every player, with extra plots allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Secretary, and Assistant Coach.”
The governor underscored that Rangers is more than just a football club—it’s a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope, born from the ashes of the Nigerian Civil War. He reminded the audience of the club’s rich legacy, tied to legends like the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala, and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha. Mbah praised the players, coaches, and management for their discipline and hard work, noting that the trophy was the fruit of countless acts of determination.
Commending General Manager Amobi Ezeaku for his leadership, Mbah drew a parallel between building a successful football club and building a successful state. He assured the team of continued government support, stressing that sports are a key pillar of his development agenda. Renovations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, known as “The Cathedral,” are on track to meet international standards for Rangers’ continental matches, he added.
Mbah also revealed that Enugu State will host the 2026 National Sports Festival, promising an event that will leave a lasting mark. But he warned the team against complacency: “So, brace up, fight on, keep winning, and ensure you bring the continental trophy home.”
Earlier, Sports and Youth Development Commissioner Lloyd Ekweremadu thanked the governor for the reception and his sustained investment in sports, noting that the league triumph reflects Mbah’s commitment to excellence. He recalled that Enugu State recently emerged overall winner of the National Para Games with 55 medals.
Responding, Ezeaku credited the success to discipline, preparation, and ambition, drawing inspiration from philosophers like Aristotle and Seneca. He expressed deep gratitude to Mbah for unwavering support, noting that Rangers has won two NPFL titles in three years under his administration—a remarkable feat in modern Nigerian football. “This is credited to the governor’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and excellence,” Ezeaku said.
He revealed that the season was marked by intense competition, with rival clubs reportedly promised lavish incentives. “Despite these developments, the club maintained focus and confidence, believing that hard work and excellence would ultimately be rewarded,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Ezeaku declared Rangers’ ambition to compete among Africa’s elite clubs. “Every great achievement begins as a dream. Today, we dream of Rangers defeating Africa’s biggest clubs and bringing the CAF Champions League trophy to Enugu,” he said.
Before the dinner, Rangers and their fans paraded the trophy through Enugu, celebrating at Okpara Square with jubilation and fanfare before presenting it to the governor at Government House.
