Mbah Rewards Rangers Players, Officials with Land, N150m for NPFL Triumph

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has rewarded players and management of Rangers International Football Club with plots of land and a cash gift of N150 million following the club’s victory in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The governor announced the rewards during a dinner reception held in honour of the players, technical crew and management at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday night. Rangers secured the NPFL title for a record-equalling ninth time after defeating Ikorodu City Boys 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.

Addressing the team, Mbah compared the celebration to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, noting that the government and people of Enugu State were proud of the achievement. “We are providing you with a cash gift of N100 million for the players and N50 million for the technical and management crew. “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,” Mbah said. The governor described Rangers as more than a football club, calling it a symbol of resilience, unity, hope and social renewal established in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. He noted that the club’s rich legacy is associated with football icons such as the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha. Mbah praised the players, coaches and management for their dedication, discipline and sacrifices throughout the season, describing the title as the result of sustained hard work and determination.

He 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. The governor assured the club of continued support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development. He disclosed that renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed to international standards ahead of Rangers’ continental engagements. Mbah further pledged sustained investment in sports infrastructure and development, while expressing confidence that Enugu would successfully host the 2026 National Sports Festival.

He, however, cautioned against complacency. “So, brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” he said. Earlier, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the governor for honouring the team and commended his administration’s investments in sports. Ekweremadu described the league title as evidence of the government’s commitment to excellence, adding that Enugu recently emerged overall winner of the National Para Games with 55 medals, including 40 gold. Responding on behalf of the club, Rangers General Manager Amobi Ezeaku said the success was built on discipline, preparation and ambition.

He described the occasion as a celebration not only of football success but also of leadership, vision and unity among government, management, players and supporters. Ezeaku thanked Governor Mbah for his unwavering support, noting that Rangers had enjoyed one of its most successful periods under the current administration.

According to him, the club has won two NPFL titles within three years of Mbah’s tenure. “This is credited to the governor’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and excellence, helping to restore the club’s competitive edge,” he said. Reflecting on the title-winning campaign, Ezeaku revealed that rival clubs reportedly received promises of substantial incentives, including cash rewards, vehicles and landed property. “Despite these developments, the club maintained focus and confidence, believing that hard work and excellence would ultimately be rewarded. “We remained resolute and focused throughout the season. Our confidence came from our belief in the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and our conviction that sacrifice and excellence would not go unnoticed,” he stated. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that Rangers could compete among Africa’s elite clubs and eventually challenge for the CAF Champions League title. “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. Earlier in the day, Rangers players and supporters celebrated the league title at Okpara Square and paraded the trophy through Enugu metropolis before presenting it to the governor at the reception. Opinion Nigeria News