By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, has assured Rangers International FC of Enugu of total support from the government and people of Anambra State as long as they adopt Awka as their home ground.
Mr Agha Mba gave the assurance on Sunday when Rangers hosted Abia Warriors in a MatchDay 7 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Awka Township Stadium. The Flying Antelopes won 3-1.
Rangers relocated their NPFL home games to Awka due to the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, ahead of the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
The club got a rousing welcome from Awka fans who are hungry for top-flight football. The Township Stadium was packed full with supporters and lovers of the game who turned out to cheer the nine-time Nigerian champions.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner said Anambra is happy to host a club with such rich history and pedigree.
“We welcome Rangers International to Awka with open arms. They are our brothers and this is their home. We will give them everything need — support, security, and the love of our passionate fans — to succeed here,” he said said.
“They have our word, as long as they play in Awka, they will enjoy the full backing of the Anambra State Government and our people. Go out there, play with confidence and make Rangers fans, followers proud,” he added.
The Commissioner thanked the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for providing the enabling environment for sports development to thrive in the state, noting that the investment in facilities like the Awka Township Stadium has made it possible to host NPFL and other high profile matches like the President Cup.
Rangers repaid the warm reception with an impressive 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors, leaving the Awka fans chanting and asking for more top-flight action.
