When Rangers International, the pride of Ndigbo and reigning Nigeria Premier League champions, must travel to Abeokuta to host a CAF Champions League tie, something is fundamentally wrong. It is an indictment of leadership, misplaced priorities and years of neglect.
On Sunday, the Flying Antelopes overcame an early red card to goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh to beat MC Alger 2-0. The victory deserves commendation, but it exposes an uncomfortable truth: why must the darling club of the South-East seek a continental home in the South-West?
What happened to the stadiums in Enugu, Awka, Aba and Owerri? Why have our governors failed to deliver at least one facility that consistently meets CAF standards?
The South-East produces footballing talent but refuses to nurture it. Our governors seem more invested in “I belong” politics, personal loyalties and survival than in collective development. The region lacks effective cooperation.
Consider Awka Township Stadium. Instead of completing it with indoor sports halls, athletes’ hostels and training infrastructure, the remaining space is reportedly being marketed as an events centre — already interlocked as a car park for a fun centre. Must every public asset become a relaxation spot while athletes have nowhere to train?
Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium raises similar questions. Despite repeated renovations, can it meet today’s Grade A international requirements, or is it still limited to domestic fixtures?
Lagos’ investment in the Teslim Balogun Stadium shows what purposeful leadership can achieve.
Sadly, some South-East governors appear to have a phobia for sports development, even as their supporters proclaim love for football.
What must happen now?
First, the five governors should commission an independent audit of all regional stadiums to identify deficiencies, costs and priorities.
Second, they must adopt a funded regional sports infrastructure plan with clear deadlines, measurable targets and public reporting. Enugu must urgently deliver a CAF-compliant home for Rangers, while the region invests in shared facilities — indoor centres, hostels, youth academies and grassroots leagues.
Third, the Mark Okoye-led South-East Development Commission must make a standard regional stadium a development priority, in partnership with states and private investors.
Finally, land earmarked for sports must be protected, and any change of use explained transparently.
Ogun State deserves thanks for hosting Rangers. The shame lies in the circumstances that made the journey necessary.
A region that produces champions should be able to host them. South-East governors must stop playing belonging politics and start building a sporting future.
Culled from Razor
