Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has rewarded players, technical crew and management of Rangers International Football Club with ₦150 million and plots of land for winning the 2025/2026 Nigerian Premier Football League title.
Mbah announced the reward on Tuesday during a dinner reception held in honour of the team at Government House, Enugu, after the club’s trophy parade through the state capital.
Under the package, the players will receive ₦100 million, while the technical crew and management will receive ₦50 million. The governor also approved a plot of land in Enugu for every player, with additional plots to be allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Secretary and Assistant Coach.
Rangers won the 2025/2026 NPFL title after defeating Ikorodu City FC 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos on May 24, 2026. The victory gave the Flying Antelopes their ninth league title, equalling the national record, and their second league triumph in three years under the Mbah administration.
Speaking at the reception, Mbah likened the celebration to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, saying the government and people of Enugu State were proud of the team’s achievement.
“We are providing you with a cash gift of ₦100 million for the players and ₦50 million for the technical and management crew,” Mbah said.
“In addition to that, 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.”
The governor described Rangers as more than a football club, saying the team represents resilience, unity, hope and social renewal, especially because of its historical significance after the Nigerian Civil War.
He said the club carries a rich legacy associated with football legends such as the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.
Mbah commended the players, coaches and management for their discipline, sacrifices and hard work throughout the season, noting that the title was the result of sustained determination.
He also praised the club’s General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership and commitment, saying the qualities needed to build a successful football club are similar to those required to build a successful state.
The governor assured the team of continued government support, adding that sports remain a key part of his administration’s development agenda.
He also promised that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed in time and to international standard for Rangers’ CAF Champions League matches next season.
Mbah said Enugu State would continue to invest heavily in sports infrastructure and development, noting that the state would host the 2026 National Sports Festival in a manner that would leave a lasting legacy.
He, however, warned the team against complacency and urged the players to remain focused ahead of their continental campaign.
“So, 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 hosting the champions and for his sustained investment in sports development.
He described the league triumph as a reflection of the governor’s commitment to excellence and service delivery across sectors.
Responding, Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, expressed gratitude to Mbah for his support, saying the club had enjoyed one of its most successful periods in recent history under the governor.
Ezeaku said Rangers’ two NPFL titles within three years of Mbah’s tenure were evidence of the governor’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and excellence.
He added that the team remained focused throughout the season despite intense competition and incentives reportedly promised to rival clubs.
Looking ahead, Ezeaku said Rangers now aim to compete strongly among Africa’s elite clubs and eventually bring the CAF Champions League trophy to Enugu.
Rangers finished the season with 68 points, one point ahead of Rivers United, who ended with 67 points. Both clubs will represent Nigeria in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League.
More details here...
