Ugwuanyi Showers Champions Rangers with N41.5m, Land

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, monday showered 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International Football Club with goodies for ending the state’s 32 years wait for football honour.

Apart from presenting the players and their management with a cheque of N41.5 million, the governor also announced that each member of the team would get a parcel of land at an estate named after the club.

Speaking at the grand reception in honour of the club for lifting the NPFL trophy at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, the governor pledged his readiness to sustain his support for the club.

Ugwanyi said his administration had already given a face-lift to the Rangers quarters, adding that it was his desire to take the club to the next level for winning the all important trophy after 32 years wait.

Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, described Rangers FC’s feat as a “sweet victory,” urging them to sustain the winning tempo in the coming season.

The Sultan further disclosed that he had remained an ardent supporter of the club from his days in the military when he severally functioned as a match commissioner during Oriental Derbies, noting that the club had continued to serve as a unifying force for the Igbos all over the world.
Other speakers including Commissioner for Sports, Charles Ndukwe, Acting Chairman of Rangers FC, Steve Oruruo, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, the chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu as well as founder of Adoration Ministries and fiery Enugu cleric, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka poured encomiums on the players and management of the club, pledging to support them in their continental competition.

The governor also used the opportunity to present special plaques to some of outstanding members of the management and players of the club including former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, former goal keeper, Emmanuel Okala, Dominic Nwobodo, Nwabueze Nwankwo and Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo.

Others are Rangers FC Captain, Okechukwu Oditah (Best Behaved Player of the Year), Central Defender, Chibuzor Madu (Most Consistent Attacking Midfielder), Obinna Nwobodo (Best Player), Chisom Egbuchulam (Highest Goal Scorer).