By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Remains of Norbert Okolie, the late Director of Media and Communications of Rangers Int’l FC, were laid to rest at his Amoli native home in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Okolie, a former Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State chapter, passed away at 53 years on November 16, 2025, after battling a complicated health issue.
Prior to joining Rangers FC, he worked with several media outfits, including the defunct Kick Off magazine, Four-Four-Two sports magazine and Daily Star 
The funeral Mass was held at SS Mark Matthew Catholic Church, Akpuoka, Amoli, with Rev. Fr. Ogbonna officiating.
He urged the bereaved family to take solace in Okolie’s faith in Christ, saying “we must always endeavour to shun evil and do good while alive, so that when we pass on, we die in Christ and have eternal peace.”
Rangers Int’l FC General Manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, led a delegation to the funeral, expressing deep pain over Okolie’s demise.
He described him as a dedicated and hardworking media manager, regretting that death snatched him away at a young age.
Barr Ezeaku assured the family of Rangers’ support, saying “the club shares in their pains and will not abandon them.”
He informed that the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, had directed everything medically possible to save Okolie’s life. 
Barr. Ezeaku appreciated those who attended the funeral, including Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lyod Ekwreemadu, and other sports dignitaries.
Present at the funeral were Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Prince Davidson Owumi, Technical Adviser of Rangers, Mr. Fidelis Ikechukwu, among numerous others.
