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Tag: RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC

Emeteole: Image of everything football- Christian Chukwu

Former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, has described late Kelechi Emeteole, also a former Super Sand Eagles coach, an “an image of everything football.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emeteole died in the early hours of Wednesday in a New Delhi hospital in India, where he was receiving treatment for throat cancer.

Emeteole was aged 66.

Chukwu, who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Enugu, said it was unfortunate for the former coach to depart for the great beyond when his wealth of experience was still needed.

He added that “I am yet to recover from the shocking news of Emeteole’s death yesterday.

“I am personally saddened with the development. Emeteole lived on and for football.

“He was an epitome of everything football, who passionately love the game and gave his best and time to see it grow.

“A good team player and one that understand the need for team-work, and to maintain a united team while as a player in the national team and in all the club sides he had handled.

Chukwu and Emetole were former team mates in the then Green Eagles under the tutelage of late Yugoslavian coach, Tihomir “Tiko” Jelisavčić popularly known as “Father Tiko”

He was also a member of the bronze winning squad at the 10th African Cup of Nations in Ethiopia in 1976.

Emeteole won 17 caps for the national team between 1975 to 1977 and scored four goals.

Popularly known as “Caterpillar”, Emeteole played alongside Idowu Otubusen, Samuel Ojebode, Zion Ogunfehinmi, Kunle Awesu, Muda Lawal, Joe Erico and others too numerous to mention.

He also plied his trade with Rangers International FC of Enugu at the height of the club’s reign in Nigeria and the African continent.

For his coaching career, Emeteole later served as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

Between 2007 and 2009, he was the Head Coach of the beach soccer national team, now known as the Super Sand Eagles.

Emetiole also had coaching stints with notable clubs like: Spartan FC later known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, El-Kanemi of Maiduguri, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, and International FC and Rangers International of Enugu.

He led Iwuanyanwu Nationale to the final of CAF Champions League in 2009.

June 22, 2017
NPFL: Rangers Manager hails players dedication

Rangers International FC of Enugu Team Manager, Amaobi Ezeaku, has hailed the players dedication for the goalless draw with Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna in Lokoja.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday, Ezeaku expressed joy over the result saying that it was the reward for hard work.
Ezeaku said the match was a wonderful one noting that the players came into the match with much optimism.
“Knowing the position we occupied currently, we applied caution and even when the referee gave Tornadoes a penalty in the 3rd minute, we weren’t bothered.
“In my assessment of the game, I will say it is a wonderful game, good officiating and beautiful display by both teams.
“I am giving kudos to my players because they made us proud, getting a draw in away match in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is not easy,” he said.
He said that in football, resurgence is always difficult but in our case, it just came up and I will say that it is the Lords doing.
“We went to Maiduguri and played out 1-1 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors and in Lokoja; we draw 0-0, so I feel excited.
“It is a wonderful thing that all sports lovers in Enugu are now beginning to get relief that Rangers are getting back to where they belong in Nigerian League,” he said.
Ezeaku urged the NPFL to assess improvements on players performance and officiating.
He also urged Rangers players to keep the flag flying saying that the state government, the management and the technical crew are solidly behind them.
He expressed confidence that the players are gradually coming back, compared to the period the result was not coming their way.
“Though, we are still looking forward to grab an away victory, but with the current two results in our away matches, I believe, it is not far from us.
“Gradually, we will get there, but all attention is now turned to FC Ifeanyi Uba who is our next opponent in Enugu.
“Remember, that they beat us 1-0 in the first leg and a resounding victory in Enugu in the forthcoming second leg will be so amazing,” he said.
NAN reports that Rangers moved to the 13th position in the league table after the draw in Lokoja with 32 points from 25 matches.

June 19, 2017
Rangers target victory against Akwa United on Sunday

Amaobi Ezeaku, Team Manager, Rangers International FC of Enugu, says his player are prepared to pocket the three points against Akwa United.

Rangers will host Akwa United of Uyo at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday for in Match Day 24 of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Enugu, Ezeaku said that the club could not afford to lose another two precious point at home.

“We take every game at a time and Akwa United match will be a tough one because no game is a comfortable one and we take every match as a final and this one of the finals for us.

“Remember, we played 0-0 in Uyo, so, this time they will come out smoking for at least a draw but they will not see it talk less of touching it.

“God with us, we are going to pocket the three points at the end of the 90 minutes because it is good to always smile home with points.

NAN reports that Rangers forfeited two points to the League Management Company (LMC) by drawing 1-1 at home in their last match against Nasarawa United of Lafia at home.

Meanwhile, Ezeaku expressed joy for their mid-week 1-1 draw against El-Kanemi Warrior of Maiduguri on June 7.

“Well, I give glory to God because we went to Maiduguri aiming for victory but we ended up getting a point and it was unfortunate that El-Kanemi equalised in less than ten minute to the end of the match.

“Thank God for the point and it is the first time El-Kanemi is experiencing such in their home since 2013 and I feel honoured that Rangers was the jinx breaker,’’ he said.

June 9, 2017
Gombe Utd vs Rangers match postponed

The match day 19 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between Gombe United and Rangers International FC of Enugu earlier scheduled for Thursday has been shifted to yet to be announced date.

SportingLife reports that the postponement may be unconnected with Rangers CAF Confederation Cup engagement.

Players and officials of the Flying Antelopes returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after CAF Confederation Cup ouster.

The Nigerian representatives were eliminated from this year’s competition, after they lost 3-0 to Zesco United in Ndola, Zambia on Saturday.

The NPFL champions crashed out on a 5-2 aggregate. Rangers threw away a two-goal lead in the first leg to draw 2-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

April 18, 2017
16 clubs register for FA Cup in Enugu

The Secretary of Enugu State Football Association, Francis Ugwu, on Tuesday in Enugu said only 16 clubs registered for the 2017 edition of the state’s Football Association (FA) Cup competition.

Ugwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the competition will therefore have no group stage as a result of the number of participating clubs.

“There will be no room for group stage matches. The competition will start from the round of 16, which is a knockout stage,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the competition, which has Rangers International FC of Enugu as its defending champions, is billed to hold from Thursday till May 1.

Ugwu said Purple Krown FC will take on El-Nahag FC in the first match of the competition by 2 p.m..

“The second match of the day will be between the Flying Angels and Star Plus from 4 p.m.’’

The FA Secretary said Rangers would begin the defense of their title against Independence Layout FC on April 11 by 4 p.m.

He said the round of 16 matches would be completed by April 11, while the quarter-final matches would hold between April 12 and April 13.

“The semi-finals will be played on April 21, while the third-place and final matches will take place on May 1 by 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.,’’ Ugwu said.

He disclosed that all the competition’s matches would be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Ugwu however acknowledged that the competition’s match fixtures were amenable to changes.

“This because some unavoidable circumstance may lead to changes in dates and times after consideration.’’

He urged the participating clubs to play according to the rules and regulations guiding the competition as defaulters would be punished accordingly.

April 4, 2017
Injured Rangers striker, Egwim, eager to return to active football

An injured striker of Rangers International FC of Enugu, Ifeanyi Egwim, says he is eager to return to active football to help the team defend the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy.

Egwim was injured in Rangers final match day of 2015/2016 which ended in 4-0 thrashing of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

The player told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday that he had started “little jugging’’ for now.

He said that the doctor gave him April to start kicking the ball.

“First of all, I wish to thank God that made it possible for me to be alive and walking with my legs again.

“I wish am now playing active football but it is better for me to return with full strength so that I will help my club to retain the NPFL trophy.

“My doctor gave me four months from now to start kicking the ball again, but I am at the stage of jugging and it is going well as I am not feeling pains there again.

“Although, I still feel pains at my ankle, but the doctor said that it was caused by the injury which affected my ankle a little,’’ he said.

Egwim praised his team mates for their commitment to the cause of defending the NPFL and doing well at the CAF champions league.

“Rangers is not a one-player club; so, my absence cannot stop other players from doing well.

“We have good players who are doing the same job I did for the club last season but we only need a little bit of luck.

“I pray that the goals start coming as soon as possible so that people will start to notice our target at the ongoing season,’’ he said.

On the club’s 4-1 defeat by Zamalek, Egwim said that 3-0 will see Rangers through to the next round.

“Our slogan is `never say die’ and we have been looking up to it so that we can get the ball past the Egyptians more than three times.

“It is not over until it is over. Only the 90 minutes of play will say it all and we are not going to let the people of Enugu and Nigeria down on that day,’’ he said.

Egwim thanked the state government, club supporters, management and his team mate for their encouragement and support during his recuperation in the hospital.

NAN reports that Rivers United defeated Al Merrikh Sudan 3-0 in Port Harcourt to brighten their chance of making it to the group stage of the competition.

March 13, 2017
Champions League: Rangers FC vows to beat JS Saoura of Algeria

Rangers International FC of Enugu has vowed to beat JS Saoura of Algeria in the second leg of the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League match coming up on Feb.19, 2017.

Rangers played 1-1 draw with Saoura FC in Algeria on Feb.10 and needs at worst a goal-less draw to qualify for the next round of the competition.

The Media Officer, Foster Chime, on Wednesday said that the club would beat the North African club to seal its qualification.

He said that the players met Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who promised to boost their morale for the match.

“The governor promised to boost the morale of the players for the CAF return leg match against Saoura but he did not mention the amount due to some reasons best known to him,’’ Chime said.

He said that the club would go for the winning goals.

“I know that the match will be a tough one as Saoura showed that they were a good side in the first leg and they would be facing us in Enugu like wounded lions.

“We need goalless draw to progress but the players want to progress with victory and on superior goal difference.

“I am happy players like Captain Okey Odita, Chinedu Udeagha, Etim Mathew and lots more made it known to the technical crew that they will give their all for the club to go far in the ongoing Continental league.

On players’ injury update, the Club’s Physician, Okey Ezeaku, said that there were no serious injuries sustained from the last match.

“All the players are fit and are expected to face Saoura squarely for a slot in the next round.

“Although we had minor knocks after the match in Algeria and Pape Usmane had malaria but all this were bye gone as all the players were now back to training,’’ Ezeaku said.

Rangers’ test match against Abia Comets of Umuahia on Feb. 14, 2017 ended 1-1 as the flying antelopes open scoring in 27th minute through Daniel Etor, while Marshal Okoro restored parity for the visitor in the 42nd minute.

February 15, 2017
Chukwu assures of “decent result’’ in Rangers, FC IfeanyiUba oriental encounter

Christian Chukwu, the new General Manager of Rangers International FC, Enugu, has assured the club’s teeming fans of a “decent result’’ in Rangers versus FC Ifeanyi Uba oriental encounter on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the epic oriental encounter between the two South-East continental ticket holders will hold at the FC Ifeanyi Uba Stadium, Nnewi by 4 p.m. local time.
Chukwu, who was recently appointed General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the club by Enugu State Government, told NAN in Enugu on Wednesday that the club would return to its winning ways once again.
“The club will certainly reclaim its top position within the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) once more.
“I will deploy all known football managerial, technical and tactical competence to make the club bounce back.
“My first goal and target in the club is getting a decent result in our oriental encounter with FC IfeanyiUba on Sunday at Nnewi,’’ he said.
Chukwu urged Rangers’ teeming fans to be patient as club would be soaring high again.
“I plead for patient and cooperation of the millions of Rangers fans scattered all over the World as there will be a turnaround in the fortunes of the club at the NPFL league table.
“As well, the club’s repositioning to meet the expectations of its teeming fans in its Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions league campaign this football season,’’ he appealed.
Rangers, who are currently the NPFL League Champions and title-holders, has played five matches in the ongoing 2016/2017 NPFL season.
The club won a match, lost one, drew three matches to get six points in the NPFL league table.
Rangers also known as Flying Antelopes, currently occupy 12th position on the table.

February 1, 2017
NPFL side set to produce special bread

Rangers International FC, Enugu is set to be the first Nigerian football club to produce bread for sale to its fans and Enugu metropolis. The branded bread will go by the name “Rangers Bread”.

According to the Marketing Manager, Ignatius Okafor, he said that the move was meant to shoring-up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the club to prosecute a successful 2016/2017 football season.

In a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, he also noted that the branded bread and other confectioneries from the club would be sold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu during matches as snacks to spectators.

“The nutritious Rangers bread and other confectioneries will also be sold daily to the teeming fans of Rangers residing within Enugu metropolis and its outskirt for a start.

“And we will be glad to extend our supplies to other areas or states where our fans want them to come to.

“I believe that apart from getting IGR, the initiative will go a long way in making Rangers a household name and brand in most families, neighbourhoods and communities within and outside Enugu State,’’ he said.

He noted that the club would not rely solely on the state government but has decided to go into partnerships and businesses that would generate funds.

Okafor, however, noted that the club needed more funds as it would be going for continental derbies as well as defending its 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy and Federation Cup in the current season.

Rangers will be visiting JS Saoura of Algeria on Feb. 10 for its first leg of the CAF Champions League. It will host the Algerian club on Feb. 17 in Enugu for the second leg.

The Cathedral -Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu – has a seating capacity of 22,000 spectators.

The stadium is expected to be filled to the brim during Rangers’ continental ties as it is normally seen during important national football derbies

January 25, 2017
RANGERS SECURE FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

•Beat Kano Pillars 2-1

RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC secured its first win of the season by defeating Kano Pillars 2-1 in the week 3 Glo League match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

All the three goals were scored in the first half as the two sides created several scoring opportunities.

Emeka Eze opened scoring for the Flying Anthelopes in the 9th minute through a thunderbolt shot from outside 18-yard box off a corner-kick taking by Justice Chinedu.

Kabiru Umar equalised for Kano Pillars in the 31st minute via a free-kick from Manir Ubale to bring the visitors back into the game.

Christian Osas was rewarded for his efforts in yesterday’s game after his scoring chances were denied by Kano Pillars goalkeeper Afelokhai Theophilus. Osas kept it late in the late minute of the first half to score the second goal for the Flying Anthelopes and earned the homers all three points of the game.

The win means the players won for themselves one million naira promised them by the club’s chairman Festus Onu while general manager Paul Chibuzor promised them N500, 000 .

The first half was full of drama as kano Pillars lost two key players to injuries. Kingsley Udoh was streached out when he sustained an injury. While Pillars medical team was battling to save Udoh’s life, midfielder Sheu Abdullahi also suffered injury two minutes later and was replaced.

Ado Ali came in for Udoh who had his head stitched by the medics when it was obvious that he could no longer continue the match. Rabiu Ali was also replaced by Sheu Abdullahi.

Meanwhile, Pillip Auta’s debut for the Kano side began in controversey when he was forced out of the game by the match officials due to his jersey number.

The former Sunshine Stars of Akure striker was registered for the game with jersey number 29 but his shirt number carried jersey number 35, the incident caught the attention of the officials ten minutes to the end of first half.

The center Referee Obayemi O. A from Ogun State ensured Kano Pillars played the remaining part of the first half with 10 players due to that incident. Abdullahi Haruna later came in for Pillip Auta in the second half.

Meanwhile, Enugu State Football Federation declared yesterday game gate-free to enable Enugu fans come out en-masse to cheer Rangers but despite that few came to the stadium to watch the game.

SportingLife gathered that the scanty stadium was as a result of the fact that the match was played on Saturday as against its normal traditional match day of Sunday.

March 23, 2014