Enugu Rangers have confirmed they are making contingency plans to play their opening home matches in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne if the ongoing reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is not completed in time for the start of the continental campaign, theathleticng.com reports
The confirmation comes after reports circulated on social media claiming the Nigeria Premier Football League champions had chosen the Ogun State venue as their permanent home for CAF matches.
However, TheAthleticNG has learned that the move is only a temporary contingency plan, with the Flying Antelopes determined to return to Enugu as soon as the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is ready.
Responding to an enquiry from TheAthleticNG, Rangers General Manager Amobi Ezeaku explained that the club is simply preparing for every possible scenario ahead of CAF’s September kickoff.
“Yes, we have to be very proactive in case Cathedral (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium) is not ready by 1st of September, but if it’s ready by then we will play in Enugu. If not, when it’s ready, we come back to Cathedral.”
The response confirms that Rangers have not abandoned Enugu as their continental home but are instead ensuring they have a CAF approved alternative should construction work extend beyond the start of the competition.
The honorable commissioner of youth and sports Enugu state Ike Lloyd Ekweremadu Jr. (on construction site jacket) accompanied by his team on a stadium project supervision. Photocredit: Ike Lloyd Ekweremadu Jr./FB
Rangers on a race against time
CAF has already released the calendar for the 2026/27 Champions League, with the first preliminary round scheduled for September 4 to 13.
The timeline leaves little room for uncertainty, making it imperative for participating clubs to secure approved venues well before the competition begins.
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Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in this season’s Champions League after finishing first and second respectively in the NPFL.
With CAF’s revised competition format removing the safety net that previously allowed clubs eliminated in the second preliminary round to drop into the Confederation Cup, every qualifying fixture now carries even greater significance.
Why Remo Stars Stadium?
Remo stars stadium, opened in 2020, has a capacity of 5,000 spectators and features a FIFA-certified pitch following recent renovations. Photocredit: Remo stars fc
The choice of the Remo Stars Stadium is widely viewed as a practical one. the Ikenne venue has become one of the country’s most modern football facilities in recent years and meets CAF requirements for hosting continental fixtures.
With Remo Stars having been relegated from the NPFL at the end of last season, the stadium is not expected to host CAF inter club matches this campaign, eliminating any potential scheduling conflicts should Rangers need to use the facility temporarily.
Cathedral remains the ultimate destination
Despite the contingency arrangement, Rangers’ long term plan remains unchanged.
The Flying Antelopes intend to return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, immediately after renovation works are completed.
The historic venue is currently undergoing one of the most extensive upgrades in its history under the Enugu State Government.
The remodeling project includes:
- Upgrading the dressing room to World standard
- Installation of a FIFA-standard natural grass pitch
- Rehabilitation of the athletics track
- Roofing of spectator stands
- Upgrade of seating facilities
- Installation of modern floodlighting
- Installation of a digital scoreboard
- Enhanced access control and safety systems
- Provision of supporting infrastructure to international standards
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The redevelopment aimed at transforming the stadium into a world class venue capable of hosting national and international competitions.
One of Nigeria’s most historic stadiums
Rangers have confirmed to TheAthleticNG that they will play their CAF Champions League home matches at Remo Stars Stadium only if the ongoing renovation of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is not completed before September.
Opened in 1959 as the Enugu Township Stadium, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is Nigeria’s second oldest stadium, behind only the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Originally owned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the stadium has served as the spiritual home of Rangers since the club’s formation in 1970 and has hosted countless memorable domestic and continental fixtures.
It has previously undergone major renovations ahead of the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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Any move away from the Cathedral is expected to be temporary, if the stadium is completed before September, Rangers will begin their CAF Champions League campaign in Enugu. If not, they will temporarily relocate to Ikenne before returning home as soon as work on one of Nigeria’s most iconic football grounds is finished.
