Rangers International General Manager and CEO, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, has spoken candidly about the fragility of life after a recent health scare forced him to miss the club’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) opener.
The Enugu side were held to a goalless draw by newcomers Kun Khalifat FC, with Ezeaku absent from the stands. In a deeply personal message, he admitted how close he came to losing everything.
“One moment I was fine, the next i was slipping away and it hit me that life truly hangs by a thread,” he said.
“That experience shook me, but it also opened my eyes in a way I can’t ignore. Life is fragile. We often live as though we have endless time ahead, yet in reality, we are here only for a fleeting moment.”
Photo Credit: Amobi/Whatsapp
Ezeaku added that the ordeal has changed his perspective on what matters most.
“I no longer want to waste energy on what doesn’t matter. I want to live more deliberately, to love harder, forgive faster, and give myself more fully to the people and causes that matter most. Every extra sunrise now feels like a gift. And as long as I am given breath, I will treat it that way.”
Photo Credit: Amobi/Whatsapp
Background: Two years of change at Rangers
Since his appointment in August 2023, the young CEO has been at the forefront of a sweeping overhaul of Rangers International both on and off the pitch.
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His first year in charge delivered immediate success as the Flying Antelopes were crowned NPFL champions on 16 June 2024, ending an eight-year title drought.
That triumph brought the Enugu club’s tally to eight league titles, just one short of record-holders Enyimba FC.
Rangers International 2023/2024 title winning squad. Photo Credit: X
The 2024/25 season proved more challenging, with Rangers finishing 10th after 14 wins, 10 draws and 14 defeats.
In an interview with The Athletic NG in July 2025, Ezeaku underlined his determination to reclaim the title:
“We will wear the same kit design from last season because we are confident that we will win our ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title in the 2025/2026 season. Our plan is to incorporate nine stars on our badge, and we want the new kit to carry that legacy.”
Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, Prince Ike Chioke and Commissioner for Youths and sports Barr Lloyd Ekweremadu, COO Npfl Davidson Owumi (L) during the front shirt sponsorship signing. Photo Credit: X
Forging global links in 2025
A defining feature of Ezeaku’s second year in charge has been his aggressive push for international partnerships. In January, he travelled to Cairo to meet with the Sports and Justice Law Firm, laying the foundation for collaborations within the Middle East and North Africa.
Rangers GM Amobi Ezeaku and FC Schaffhausen official. Photo Credit:X
That same month, Rangers sealed a groundbreaking deal with Swiss club FC Schaffhausen, opening new channels for technical exchange, youth development and visibility in Europe.
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The club also moved into Germany, partnering with G.O. Diaspora Football Outreach to strengthen grassroots development at home, while in June 2025 Ezeaku visited the Ezeaku International Football Academy (IFA) in Egypt.
Rangers International U-17 team. Photo Credit: Rangers media/X
There, he reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, stressing the need for Rangers to mirror global best practices.
“As we continue to strengthen Rangers International FC’s Youth Development Program, our eyes are firmly set on global best practices, international collaboration, and meaningful exchange. IFA’s success story presents invaluable insights, and we’re excited about future possibilities between our institutions,” he said.
Rangers International Academicals. Photo Credit: X
At home, his reforms have reshaped Rangers’ identity. The creation of the Rangers Academicals, the introduction of mentorship-based coaching and the launch of community scouting networks are all part of a wider strategy to secure the club’s long-term sustainability.
