Mbah Rewards Rangers with N150m, Land for Winning NPFL Title

Our Reporter 

ENUGU, Nigeria – Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has rewarded players, coaches and management of Rangers International Football Club with N150 million and plots of land following the club's triumph in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

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

Rangers secured their ninth NPFL title, equalling the league's all-time record, after defeating Ikorodu City FC 2-1 in Lagos on May 24, 2026. 

The victory marked the club's second league championship in three years under Mbah's administration.

Addressing the players, technical crew and management, Mbah described the occasion as akin to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, stressing that the government and people of Enugu State were proud of the team's 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," the governor announced.

Mbah said Rangers represented more than a football club, describing it as 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 heritage was built by legendary figures such as Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

The governor commended the players, coaches and management for their dedication, discipline and sacrifices throughout the campaign, describing the league title as the product of sustained hard work and determination.

He also praised Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership and commitment, noting that the qualities required to build a successful football club mirrored those needed to build a prosperous state.

Mbah assured the club of continued government support, emphasizing that sports remained a key pillar of his administration's development agenda.

He disclosed that renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium would be completed to international standards ahead of Rangers' continental engagements.

The governor further pledged sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development, adding that Enugu State would host the 2026 National Sports Festival in a manner that would leave a lasting legacy.

However, he warned against complacency, urging the champions to remain focused on greater accomplishments.

"So, brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home," Mbah charged the team.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the governor for hosting the champions and for his continued investment in sports development.

Ekweremadu described Rangers' latest title success as a reflection of Mbah's commitment to excellence and effective governance across sectors.

He also highlighted Enugu State's emergence as overall winner of the National Para Games in March, where the state secured 55 medals comprising 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals.

Responding on behalf of the club, Ezeaku attributed Rangers' success to discipline, preparation and ambition, drawing inspiration from renowned philosophers including Aristotle, Seneca and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

He said the celebration transcended football, representing a triumph of visionary leadership, strategic planning and collective effort among government officials, club management, players and supporters.

The General Manager expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his unwavering support, noting that Rangers had enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its recent history under the current administration.

According to him, the club's two league titles within three years of Mbah's tenure underscored the impact of the governor's commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and excellence.

Reflecting on the title-winning campaign, Ezeaku revealed that Rangers faced intense competition from rival clubs reportedly buoyed by promises of substantial incentives.

"Despite these developments, 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 said.

Looking ahead, Ezeaku declared Rangers' ambition to compete among Africa's elite clubs and eventually win the prestigious CAF Champions League.

He described Rangers as one of Africa's historic football brands with the pedigree, identity and fan base required to succeed on the continental stage.

"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 stated.

Earlier in the day, Rangers players and supporters celebrated the league triumph at Okpara Square before embarking on a trophy parade through major streets of Enugu amid widespread jubilation and fanfare. 

The celebrations culminated in the team's presentation of the NPFL trophy to Governor Mbah during the dinner reception at Government House.