Nigerian Football
Rangers ‘Worship’ at The Cathedral as Champions
BY HARRY IWUALA.
Dateline: October 2, 2016: The surge of human and vehicular traffic on the popular Ogui Road stretched to the Otigba Junction coming from the left side of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. It has sometime in the course of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season been nicknamed “the Cathedral”.
They were all headed to the stadium with different banners but all chanting the famous song of old: “Rangers International, another champion”.
By the end of the evening when Rangers defeated El-Kanemi Warriors to lift their first league title in 32 years, there were over 25,000 fans inside the dome and many more outside.
There were all shades on Rangers followers on that day at the stadium, ranging from the very rich to the impoverished, the very important and the proletariat, the popular and the unknown, the old, the youth and children, male and female.
It was a scene similar to January 20, 2008, when African Americans watched with teary eyes, smiles of history and sighs of relief as Barack Obama was sworn in as the first ever African American President in the over 200 years of Democracy in the nation of Star spangled banner.
Rangers’ fans on October 3, 2016 also wept at the renaissance of the club. Tears of joy flowed because just like the African Americans who never believed there will be an Obama having endured over two centuries of slavery and civil rights denials, many of the older Rangers fans confessed; they never knew they will live to see such spectacle.
Sunday, September 3, 2017: At the same Cathedral, seven times champion and eastern neighbours, Enyimba International; were in Enugu for the traditional Oriental Derby but the crowd came in trickles despite the high stakes for both sides in the fixture.
But as the encounter progressed with the visitors a goal up, a sudden burst of arrivals hit the stands. Estimates at the end of the match which saw Rangers claw back to a 1-1 draw was put at over 12,000.
As was aptly captured by former Nigerian international and one time African Player of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, one of the pundits for Supersport, the Official Broadcast partner to the league, “we have half of the fans that witnessed the trophy presentation coming to say goodbye to the trophy”.
But earlier before the kick-off, a member of Rangers Management had lamented the drop in Rangers’ fortune on and off the field and while not submitting that the change in Management is a factor, suggested that they had the wrong persons at the helm.
He expressed reservations that the club lost an opportunity to build on last season’s greatness because ideas to entice fans to the stadium were not being addressed.
It was learnt that in a bid to shore up the dwindling numbers on the stands, Flavour, the Enugu local who has found continental fame through music was approached to hold up the club’s famous red and white flag as a form of endorsement which he readily agreed. But that huge goodwill was not put to use, it was learnt.
This and perhaps, the poor run, exit of key players may explain the huge drop in numbers at the Cathedral which recorded an average of 18,000 in attendance every match day last season.
Now Different Stroke: From Celebrating Title to Joy of Survival
From reactions on the stands during the match, Rangers fans must have longed for a valedictory win and indeed to complete a double over Enyimba.
Despite what some of them adjudged as unfair calls by the Referee, their glee was not to be denied at the final whistle which saw over 2000 of them breach the security to invade the pitch in light hearted mirth.
They turned the turf to a privileged playground, dancing even when there was no music from the loud speakers. Others executed acrobatic displays, doing continuous back flips and seeking ‘Selfie’ photo shots with the players and with each other. You would think it was a celebration of title.
Catching up with an elderly fan, Francis Ogbodo who sat rooted on one of the state box seats, he surveyed the scene with deep contemplation and when nudged to give his thoughts, said, “I am just wondering how the celebration of nearly a year ago has turned to a celebration of survival of relegation.
“After a 32-year wait to win the title, we have now gone back below where we started from. It is sad and not a good story to tell the young fans.
“Our support for Rangers has been sustained by the exploits of the past but what will the younger ones hold on to? It is the reason they are Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea etc etc.”, concluded Ogbodo as he held the arm rest to support his effort to be on his feet.
“Earlier in the day at a popular restaurant, Emily off Ogui Road, I had run into Chibuzor Ozor, the long serving General Manager who superintended the historic win by Rangers before he was relieved of the job.
“Ozor, called Sayama by some of his friends and associates walks with a bounce. Standing slightly above 4 feet; Ozor who also goes by the nickname, ‘Americana’ dresses to please his senses and not for popular acclaim.
“At the lunch hour encounter, he was dressed in starched Italian linen white short sleeved shirt and trousers and after the pleasantries, exclaimed in his affected American accent, “my men, you guys have forgotten me…oh, that’s the way of life but you are my friend and should not abandon me”.
There are those who believe that the problems Rangers encountered in the about to end season started right from the podium where the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi accompanied by the Deputy Senate President, Ikechukwu Ekweremadu received the trophy from the team captain, Okey Odita.
A friend from the media pointed out that the governor delivered no inspiring comments to the players and management. He was admonished by another that the occasion was not for making speeches and promises.
The next news out of Enugu was the city trophy tour of the players aboard a rickety truck that won’t be certified to transport livestock.
Thereafter, the blames trading started with some anonymous sources pointing to the direction of the former state commissioner for sports as the brain behind the road show of shame.
Finally, shortly before Christmas, the Governor hosted the team and promised cash reward totalling N41.5m and lands. The players went away grumbling. The total money offered the players and officials would come to less than N1m for each of the 35 registered players and seven accredited officials.
They started the season in tatters, losing 2-1 to Abia Warriors on opening day and prior to that; had finished third in the pre-season tournament, NPFL Super4 which was organized by the League Management Company in Enugu.
So continued the free fall, Ozor was sacked and replaced by former captain and coach of Rangers, Christian Chukwu. Coach Imama Amapakabo was next after initial disagreements over his contract terms.
Players like Chisom Egbuchulam, voted MVP of the NPFL left for Sweden and was followed by Obinna Nwobodo, another key figure in their run for the title. Others were in and out of camp and the internal squabbles showed in their performance every match day.
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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