Enugu Rangers on Monday evening celebrated their 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League title win in grand style at the Okpara Square in Enugu amid thousands of ecstatic fans, The reports.
The team’s triumphant return to Enugu followed their thrilling 2-1 victory over Gombe United in Jos on Sunday.
Led by captain Chukwudi Nwaodu, manager Fidelis Ilechukwu, and General Manager/CEO Amobi Ezeaku, the team was met with thunderous applause from a crowd that included the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu; Information and Communications Commissioner, Aka Eze Aka; MD of Afrinvest West Africa, Ike Chioke; Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah; Rangers legend Emmanuel Okala, amongst a sea of passionate fans led by Okwuluora Okoh.
In his address, Ezeaku expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging the significant impact it had on the team’s success.
He also praised the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his unwavering belief in the team and his commitment to providing the necessary resources, which played a crucial role in boosting the team’s morale and performance, which ultimately led to their triumph.
“First, this is victory, not only for Rangers but for Ndi Enugu and the entire Ndigbo. We thank our amiable Governor for believing in us and giving us all the support. The only support we did not get was probably the one we did not ask for,” Ezeaku said.
“However, the truth is that the journey has just begun because this victory calls for more work. We have to work harder and get even more prepared for the journey ahead. So, we assure you that we will continue to make you proud. We will retain this title next season because it has come to stay.
“Going into continental competitions, rest assured that we will make you proud.”
While appreciating the fans and the Governor for their unflinching support, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Ekweremadu assured fans that Rangers would be going into continental competitions more fortified, describing the club as a national pride and brand.
Club legend Okala said the former players would stand by the team as they always did.
“The Governor has done very well following the level of support he gave to the players. Putting the stadium in order to enable them to play their home matches at The Cathedral instead of Awka was a major clincher,” he said.
A top fan of the club, Emmanuel Okoh, vowed to continue to give his all to ensure that Rangers excel in the coming season and continental competitions.
Okoh doled out cash gifts to Okala and some of the fans.
