UPDATED: Rangers emerge NPFL champions again

Rangers International FC are champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) again!
Their 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance on Sunday secured their eighth league title, solidifying their place as a Nigerian football powerhouse.

Before Sunday’s feat, Rangers’ last title win came in 2016 under Coach Imama Amapakabo.

Their championship history also includes victories in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, and 1984; solidifying their position among Nigeria’s greatest football clubs.

Only Enyimba with nine league titles are more successful than the Flying Antelopes.

Season of redemption

While winning the league deserves all the celebration, this particular achievement marks a significant comeback for Rangers.
Just last season, they narrowly avoided relegation, almost ruining their historic record of never being relegated from the top flight.

The fall from grace was swift and unexpected. Forced to play in Awka, away from their Enugu traditional home due to renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, the Flying Antelopes did not enjoy home advantage during the period.

Injuries to key players, coupled with tactical inconsistencies under Coach Abdul Maikaba, saw the once-dominant Enugu side slip down the table.

Whispers of relegation, a word hardly uttered in the hallowed halls of the Rangers began to circulate amongst fans and pundits alike in the volatile abridged season.

Fidelis Ilechukwu leads a revival

After surviving that relegation scare, the need for fresh ideas and a managerial shakeup was inevitable.

Taking over the reins from Maikaba, a wave of optimism flowed through the Enugu side. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, known for his meticulous planning and tactical prowess, arrived with a proven track record.

Having previously led MFM FC from obscurity to continental qualification in their first NPFL season, Ilechukwu immediately began to revive the sleeping giant.

Building a winning mentality

Ilechukwu’s philosophy was simple yet effective: win every game. This unwavering focus instilled a winning mentality in the squad, replacing the self-doubt that had plagued them the previous season.

Pre-season training was gruelling, with a strong emphasis on fitness and tactical discipline. Ilechukwu meticulously analysed their opponents, exploiting weaknesses and implementing strategies to maximise his players’ strengths.

Key Acquisitions

The arrival of experienced players like Uchenna Ezeala, Zulkifilu Rabiu, Odo Chidiebere, Ogbodo Emmanuel, Aniji Ifeanyichukwu Micheal and Nebo Kingsley complemented the other decent players in the fold of Rangers.

Ezeala joined the People’s Elephant from Shooting Stars, Rabiu moved to the club from Lobi Stars, while Chidiebere joined from a Saudi Arabian club

The Role of the Fans

The Enugu fans, known for their unwavering passion and loyalty, played a crucial role in Rangers’ resurgence. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium became a fortress, with a sea of red and black scarves creating an electric atmosphere that consistently cheered the team.

The now-iconic Rangers anthem echoed through the stands, serving as a constant source of motivation for the players.

Agu and Nwobodo seal the deal

On Sunday against Bendel Insurance, the tension was palpable. Rangers needed a win to secure the title before the last game of season

Enyimba and Remo Stars were locked in crucial matches of their own. The opening goal by Agu Kenechkuwu in the 33rd minute sent the stadium into a frenzy. The celebration increased as news filtered through that both Enyimba and Remo Stars were struggling in their away matches against Sporting Lagos and Sunshine Stars..

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Rangers remained focused despite the news from the other centres. Chidebere Nwobodo’s goal in the 60th minute sealed the deal, sparking scenes of jubilation both on and off the pitch.

Ashes to Glory

Despite their brush with relegation last season, Rangers displayed remarkable resilience throughout the 2023/24 season.
Early struggles with winning games and scoring goals were overcome after the Christmas break.

A ten-game unbeaten run saw them defeat title contenders like Lobi Stars and relegation-threatened teams like Heartland, propelling them to the top of the league.

The Amobi Ezeaku Effect

The appointment of 34-year-old Amobi Ezeaku as CEO in August 2023 also deserves recognition. Ezeaku, who served as team manager during the 2016 title win, brought valuable experience and strategic vision to the club.

He implemented a data-driven approach to recruitment, identifying young talent with high potential.

Additionally, Ezeaku oversaw a significant investment in the club’s infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the academy and training facilities.

More importantly, the Rangers CEO galvanised support for the team.

“This club belongs to the people. Our ticket prices have not increased.” Mr Ezeaku told PREMIUM TIMES a few weeks back.

“When we got back to Enugu, the popular stand remained at five hundred, the corner stand was 2000 and the VIP stand is 5000 and we don’t intend to increase that.

“Don’t forget that when we came on board a few months ago, we got a shirt sponsorship of about 50 million naira and we are also talking with other institutions that can help us to cushion the effect of the economic hardship.

“The government is trying and some individuals are trying and supporting the club. We don’t want the fans to feel the heat of having to pay more for tickets. Everything is good,” the Rangers CEO added.

This eighth title holds a special significance for Rangers, marking a triumphant return from the brink of relegation.