Rangers International Football Club’s general manager and chief executive, Barr Amobi Ezeaku, has laid out a detailed assessment of the club’s present position and long-term direction, addressing youth development, recruitment, governance and public criticism.
Speaking during a press briefing in Enugu, Ezeaku said the club’s current trajectory was shaped by a clear institutional philosophy adopted when the present management assumed responsibility.
“When we assumed responsibility for the management of Rangers International Football Club, we were guided by one clear conviction,” he said.
“Rangers had to be revealed as a properly run football institution, competitive on the pitch, sustainable off it, and impactful within the community.”
Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
He described the briefing as a moment of accountability rather than a routine media interaction.
“Today is not just another media engagement,” Ezeaku added. “It is a moment of deep reflection, accountability, and recommitment.”
Ezeaku began by paying tribute to the club’s late media officer, Norbert Okolie, describing him as a dedicated professional whose contribution to Rangers should be remembered with respect.
“Norbert was more than a staff member,” he said. “He was a loyal servant of this great club, and his passion for Rangers was evident in everything he did.”
Late Norbet Okolie alongside Rangers GM Barr Amobi Ezeaku. Photo Credit:X
Sporting progress and identity
Reflecting on recent achievements, Ezeaku pointed to Rangers’ 2023–24 Nigeria Premier Football League title as proof that long-term planning was producing results.
“That title was not just a trophy, it was a statement that structure, discipline and belief still matter “he said.
He also highlighted the club’s return to the CAF Champions League as part of efforts to restore Rangers identity on the continental stage.
“Rangers is a club built on history, identity and excellence, and restoring that pride was non-negotiable,” he said.
Youth development and league campaign
Ezeaku said the club’s reliance on a young squad during the 2025–26 season was intentional.
“This is a deliberate strategy, adding that the team was improving steadily and striving for excellence with a relatively young and energetic squad”.
Rangers are currently sixth in the league table with 26 points, ahead of their matchday 18 fixture against Ikorodu City in Enugu.
Iwundu celebrating alongside his Rangers teammates. The center back has scored 5 goals this season. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
He also said that experience gained by Rangers staff at national-team level would feed back into the club’s development model.
“Why Coach Fidelis is here, and we are proud of that is what he brings back to Rangers when he goes to the national team. Currently they are in Morocco, and by the time they are done with AFCON, it’s already a beautiful 2026. If Coach Fidelis comes back with a trophy from Morocco, it will rub off on what we do at Rangers.”
On youth competitions, Ezeaku confirmed that Rangers’ under-18 side had represented Nigeria at the Game on Afrika tournament in Ghana, where they emerged champions, opening doors to further international exposure.
Rangers U18 celebrating their trophy. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
He said the same under-19 pathway would see players travel to the UK in 2026, while the club had also received an official invitation to the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy for the first time in its history.
“If you know the Viareggio Cup, you know it is one of the biggest youth tournaments in the world,” he said.
Ezeaku added that Enugu State governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah had given full financial and moral backing to the initiative.
Rangers also plans to send its youngest squads abroad. “By the summer of 2026, we go for the first time to send our under-10s and our under-15s to the Dallas Cup in the United States. We’ve already started conversations with the organisers, one of the oldest youth tournaments in America,” Ezeaku confirmed.
Rangers Academy players. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Player Welfare and Infrastructure Improvements
Significant upgrades are planned for player welfare and infrastructure.
“The directive of His Excellency the Governor is that a team bus befitting our club be procured. We are looking at a vehicle above 50 seats so players can relax while traveling. Player welfare has been different since we came on board, especially for long-distance games. All our players and officials fly to games frequently and are insured,” Ezeaku said.
Investments are also coming to Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. “Over 10 billion naira will be invested to make sure that we host the National Sports Festival with excellence. Things that are beautiful take time, but we are making progress,” he added.
Recruitment and sustainability
Addressing recruitment, Ezeaku said Rangers’ scouting network remained active across sub-Saharan Africa, with particular focus on strengthening the attacking department.
“Our scouting department remains relentless in our pursuit for excellence,” he said, noting that while the club was strong defensively and in midfield, additional attacking options were being targeted.
He also confirmed recent transfers of Frank Uwumiro and Daniel Onyia to Spanish side Bergantiños FC, stressing that Rangers had retained 50% sell-on clauses.
Frank Uwumiro during his time at Rangers International. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
“When those players progress, the club also progresses,” he said, describing the approach as part of a wider sustainability framework.
Women’s football and branding
Ezeaku said the club had made a conscious decision to prioritise its women’s team, which recently secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League Championship.
“The women’s side wasn’t an afterthought,” he said, adding that the team was structured, competitive and progressing steadily.
Rangers Women. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
He confirmed that 2026 would mark the women’s team’s first appearance at championship level, while supporters could also expect early samples of Rangers’ next-season kits as part of wider commercial plans.
The chairman of the Rangers International Foundation, Ebere Amarizu, also spoke on education and technology initiatives, revealing a partnership with UK-based AfroConnect Technology.
READ MORE:caf-confirms-nigerian-afrobeats-superstar-for-afcon-2025-kick-off-show
He said the collaboration would help Rangers become the first Nigerian club to integrate artificial intelligence into player development, performance monitoring and coaching support, while also training children in AI skills from January.
Amarizu submitted the foundations report to Ezeaku at the Clubs Headquarters. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Ezeaku, meanwhile, addressed public criticism and social media commentary.
“I see some of the comments, some good, some bad, some ugly,” he said. “These comments are what define us and make us stronger.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Ezeaku concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to its four-year strategic plan, launched in 2023.
“With youth development, women’s football, technology and global exposure in focus, from all indications, it promises to be an amazing 2026.”
