Former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe has praised Rangers International’s leadership structure and youth-driven philosophy after making a surprise visit to the club’s training session in Enugu.
Anichebe, who began his professional career with Everton as a teenager, addressed the players during training at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, telling them he has been closely monitoring their progress despite an inconsistent start to the season.
“Thank you for receiving me today, for stopping your intense training session just to say hello to me,” Anichebe told the squad.
“I just came here to see you guys. I have been watching you guys progress this season.”
Anichebe alongside GM Amobi Ezeaku and TA Fidelis Ilechukwu. Photo Credit: The Athletic NG Images
The former Premier League forward, who made his Everton reserve-team debut at just 15 before breaking into the first team in January 2006, said Rangers’ youthful profile stood out in a league often dominated by experienced squads.
“I saw the start of the season you guys were not so high,” he said.
“I can see you guys are young players. You guys are not like other teams – you’re doing it right.”
Anichebe, who scored his first Premier League goal for Everton against West Bromwich Albion in May 2006 and later netted twice against Newcastle United during the 2006–07 campaign, acknowledged that consistency can be difficult for young teams, but pointed to Rangers’ leadership as a major stabilising factor.
“Sometimes as young players, consistency is difficult,” he said.
“You have a very good GM/Chairman. He is the best in Nigeria in terms of leadership.”
Anichebe while playing for Everton. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The former Nigeria international, who earned a silver medal with the Super Eagles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing after scoring against Japan, named Barrister Amobi Ezeaku as a key reason for the club’s steady progress.
“That’s why I came here today,” Anichebe added.
“I don’t go to the other clubs because a lot of them are not doing it correctly. He is doing very, very well.”
Ezeaku and Ilechukwu celebrating the clubs eight title in the 2023/2024 season Photo Credit: Rangers Media
Drawing on his experience of long-term development at club and international level including representing Nigeria 11 times and scoring on his debut against South Africa in 2008, Anichebe urged Rangers’ players to remain disciplined, patient and united.
“So you guys are fortunate that he believes in young players,” he said.
“You guys have good training. He understands the infrastructure that comes around football.
“As long as you keep working hard and keep training hard, the results will come.”
Photo Credit: The Athletic NG Images
Anichebe, who later played for Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and in China before retiring, also stressed the importance of faith, humility and trust in the technical crew as the season reaches its decisive phase.
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“Working hard and consistency that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“Trust in your coaches, all the staff around you. Hopefully, at the end of the season, you can win the league.”
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Rangers are currently third on the NPFL table with 39 points as they continue their push for a record-equalling ninth league title. They face Abia Warriors next in the Oriental Derby on Matchday 25.
