…charges team to bring home continental trophy

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has gifted players and management of Rangers International Football Club with plots of land and the sum of N150 million for winning the 2025/2026 NPFL title.

Mbah announced the gifts during a dinner reception he hosted in honour of the players, technical crew and management of the team at Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday night.

Rangers FC won the league for a record-equaling ninth time and also for a second time in three years under the Mbah Administration following a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City Boys in Lagos on May 24, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Mbah likened the reception to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, saying the government and people of Enugu State were delighted to celebrate the team’s success.

“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 noted that Rangers was 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.

According to him, the club carries a rich history and legacy associated with football legends such as the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

He commended the players, coaches and management for their hard work, sacrifices and discipline throughout the season, noting that the trophy was the product of countless acts of determination and effort.

Mbah also praised Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership, resilience and commitment, saying the qualities required to build a successful football club were similar to those needed to build a successful state.

The governor assured the team of continued government support, stressing that sports remained a key component of his administration’s development agenda.

He also stated that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed in time and to international standards for Rangers’ continental matches.

He added that Enugu State, under his leadership, would continue to invest heavily in sports infrastructure and development, noting that the state would host the 2026 National Sports Festival in a manner that would leave lasting marks in the sands of time.

Mbah, however, identified complacency as an enemy of success, urging the team not to rest on their laurels and well-deserved accolades.

“So, brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” he concluded.

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

Ekweremadu described the league triumph as a testament to the governor’s commitment to excellence and service delivery across sectors.

The commissioner recalled that Enugu State emerged overall winner of the National Para Games in March with 55 medals comprising 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals.

Responding, Ezeaku noted that success was built on discipline, preparation and ambition, drawing inspiration from renowned philosophers such as Aristotle, Seneca and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
He emphasised that the celebration extended beyond the lifting of a trophy and represented a celebration of leadership, vision and the power of unity among government, management, players and supporters.

The General Manager expressed profound gratitude to Governor Mbah for his unwavering support of the club, stating that Rangers had enjoyed one of its most successful periods in recent history under the governor’s administration.

According to him, Rangers has won two NPFL titles within three years of Governor Mbah’s tenure, a feat he described as remarkable in contemporary Nigerian football.

“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.

The club also highlighted the governor’s broader achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology and economic development, while stressing that his contribution to sports deserves equal recognition.

Reflecting on the club’s title-winning campaign, Ezeaku revealed that the journey was marked by intense competition, with rival clubs reportedly receiving promises of substantial incentives, including cash rewards, vehicles and landed properties.

“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 beyond domestic success, he declared Rangers’ intention to compete among Africa’s elite clubs and challenged stakeholders to support the club’s continental ambitions.

The general manager described Rangers as one of Africa’s historic football brands with the fan base, identity and pedigree to compete successfully at the highest level.

He expressed confidence that with strategic investment and continued government support, Rangers could one day lift the CAF Champions League trophy and bring continental glory back to Nigeria.

“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,” the management said.

Meanwhile, Rangers FC and their fans had earlier celebrated their NPFL win at Okpara Square and paraded their trophy through the capital city with much jubilation and fanfare before retiring to Government House for the dinner reception and presentation of the trophy to the governor.

..laud Mbah’s massive support

By Chinedu Sabastine

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Rangers International F.C. for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The Union described the club’s victory as well-deserved, noting that the players, coaching crew and management displayed resilience, discipline and consistency throughout the season.

The Union stated that the Flying Antelopes remain the pride of Enugu and a symbol of resilience for the South East.

In a statement signed by the Enugu State Council Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the Union also extended its warmest congratulations to Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on the landmark achievement.

The NUJ further commended Governor Mbah for his unwavering commitment to sports development and continuous support for the club.

According to the Union, the governor’s massive investments and reforms across critical sectors created an enabling environment that has helped the club win the NPFL title twice within three years.

“Your visible backing has rekindled hope, restored confidence, and shown what purposeful leadership can achieve when it aligns with the aspirations of the people.

“This victory stands as clear evidence of your administration’s unwavering commitment to the development of sports, alongside the remarkable strides being made in human capital development, social welfare, and investment across the state. Your support for Rangers International FC is not a peripheral gesture; it is a deliberate investment in the pride, identity, and unity of Ndi Igbo,” he said.

The Council further praised the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ikekweremadu Jnr., for his dedication to the growth of sports in the state and his support towards the success of Rangers International.

The NUJ expressed confidence that the latest achievement would further inspire young talents in the state and strengthen Enugu’s position as a major force in Nigerian football.

Chelsea have confirmed the sacking of Liam Rosenior, just three four months into his six-year deal at the club. The decision comes after the club suffered their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions.

In a statement published by the club, the FIFA Club World Cup champions confirmed that the decision was not taken lightly but rather forced after the poor form. They praised the Englishman for his time and Stamford Bridge and said:

“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.”

“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
The Blues hired Rosenior after Enzo Maresca resigned from his post on New Year’s Day. The Englishman had impressed at sister-club Strasbourg and was given the chance to show his skills at the Premier League club.

The 41-year-old took charge of just 23 matches before he was sacked. He won 11 matches, eight of which came in his first 11 matches at the club. The Blues kept just four clean sheets in all competitions, while conceding 38 goals and scoring just 47.

Chelsea reappoint Calum McFarlane as interim coach
Chelsea appointed Calum McFarlane as the interim coach after Enzo Maresca parted ways, and the former U21 coach is back at the helm for the rest of the season. He was a part of Liam Rosenior’s backroom staff and will take charge of the first-team for the rest of the season.

“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup. As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”

Jamie Redknapp called for Mikel Arteta to take the blame for Arsenal’s defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final for a huge decision – starting his second-choice goalkeeper.

Kepa Arrizabalaga got the nod to start between the sticks for the Gunners at Wembley, chosen ahead of David Raya as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, having played every other match in the competition.

It was widely deemed as a risk and a downgrade on Raya, who usually plays Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League matches, and that proved to be true in the second-half.

Just after the hour mark, Kepa came out of his goal to try and catch Rayan Cherki’s cross, but fumbled the effort and the ball fell kindly into the path of Nico O’Reilly. Four minutes later, O’Reilly would score again as City won 2-0.

And Redknapp suggested that it was the wrong call to play the Spaniard – and that Arteta needs to take the blame for that.

He told Sky Sports: ‘I know people will say sentiment because he’s played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya, that’s why he’s your No2.