Mbah rewards Rangers players, officials with N150m, plots of land for NPFL triumph

Sports

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has rewarded players, coaches and management of Rangers International Football Club with N150 million and plots of land for winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

Mbah announced the rewards during a dinner reception held in honour of the team at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday night.

Rangers clinched their ninth NPFL title, equalling the league record, after defeating Ikorodu City 2-1 in Lagos on May 24, 2026. The triumph also marked the club’s second league title in three years under the Mbah administration.

Speaking at the event, the governor described the occasion as a proud moment for the state, likening it to celebrating a child who had returned home after excelling academically.

“We are providing a cash gift of N100 million for the players and N50 million for the technical and management crew,” Mbah said.

“In addition, we have approved a plot of land in Enugu for every player, while additional plots will be allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Secretary and Assistant Coach.”

Mbah congratulated the team for their dedication, discipline and determination throughout the season, noting that the title was the result of hard work and sacrifice.

He described Rangers as more than a football club, saying it remains a symbol of resilience, unity and hope for the people of Enugu State.

According to him, the club’s rich history is associated with some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

The governor also commended Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership and commitment, noting that the qualities required to build a successful football club are similar to those needed to build a prosperous state.

Mbah assured the club of continued government support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development.

He disclosed that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed to international standards ahead of Rangers’ continental engagements.

The governor added that Enugu State would continue investing in sports infrastructure and youth development, especially as it prepares to host the 2026 National Sports Festival.

While celebrating the club’s success, Mbah warned against complacency and urged the team to remain focused on achieving greater success on the continental stage.

“Brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the governor for his unwavering support for sports development in the state.

He described Rangers’ title victory as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to excellence and noted that Enugu recently emerged overall winner of the National Para Games with 55 medals, comprising 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze.

Responding on behalf of the club, Rangers General Manager Amobi Ezeaku said the achievement was built on discipline, preparation and ambition.

He described the celebration as more than a football victory, saying it reflected the power of leadership, vision and collaboration between the government, management, players and supporters.

Ezeaku expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for his consistent support, noting that Rangers had enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its recent history under the current administration.