Enugu State Governor Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on Wednesday rewarded Rangers International players and management with N150 million in cash, Certificates of Occupancy for plots of land and pledged an upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to meet CAF standards following the club’s 2025/26 NPFL title win.
In a show of appreciation for sporting excellence, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah presented N100,000,000 (One hundred million naira) to the Rangers International players and N50,000,000 (Fifty million naira) to the club’s management on Wednesday. The cash gifts were part of a package that also included Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for plots of land granted to each player and team official.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Governor Mbah congratulated the players and technical crew for bringing the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title to Enugu, describing their victory as a source of pride for the state. “This administration will continue to support sports development and reward excellence. Rangers have made Enugu proud,” he said.
The governor further announced plans to upgrade the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, promising the facility would be refurbished to host CAF Champions League fixtures. He also revealed that the stadium will serve as a major venue for the 2026 Sports Festival billed the “Coal City Games 2026” which Enugu will host.
Club officials lauded the governor’s intervention, saying the cash awards and land grants will boost player welfare and strengthen the club’s administrative capacity. A spokesperson for Rangers International said the funds would be distributed in accordance with the team’s internal agreement and used to settle bonuses and support staff.
Sports analysts welcomed the governor’s pledge to upgrade the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium but urged that work begin immediately and meet CAF’s strict infrastructure and safety requirements, including pitch quality, seating, lighting and broadcast facilities. “If Enugu intends to host continental matches, the authorities must fast-track renovations and secure CAF certification,” a commentator said.
The governor’s package follows a trend of state governments in Nigeria rewarding local clubs after landmark achievements, signaling increasing recognition of football as a tool for community development and youth empowerment.
