Rangers International have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigerian fashion and apparel design company Nzapi.
The agreement was formally announced on Monday at the club’s headquarters in Enugu, where Rangers General Manager, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, described the partnership as a “statement of intent” that aligns identity, culture and long-term sustainability.
“Today is a statement of intent and we are proud to officially enter into a strategic partnership with Nzapi, a fashion and apparel design and manufacturing company that understands not just fashion, but culture, identity and storytelling,” Ezeaku said.
“For a club like Rangers, identity is everything. We are not just a football club; we are history, pride, resilience and a symbol that cuts across generations since our establishment in 1970.”
L-R Nzapi Creative Lead Odinaka (L) and Rangers GM Ezeaku. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Ezeaku explained that the partnership goes beyond kit production, positioning Rangers as both a football institution and a lifestyle brand that connects with different generations of supporters.
“This partnership is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: Rangers must look like who we are and where we are going,” he said.
“With Nzapi, we are committing to merchandise that speaks to the younger generation who see Rangers not only on the pitch but as a lifestyle brand, and also to the older generation who carry the memories, values and legacy of this great club.”
He added that merchandising will play a central role in the club’s financial strategy.
“Merchandising is a key pillar of financial sustainability in modern football,” Ezeaku said.
“Our vision is clear to professionalise Rangers’ merchandise production, expand availability locally and internationally, and deliberately build Rangers into a self-sustaining institution where football success is supported by strong commercial foundations.”
Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
According to Ezeaku, the agreement marks the beginning of a long-term plan that will include structured merchandise launches, deeper youth engagement and collaborations that blend sport, culture and creativity.
“Our long-term vision is where Rangers merchandise becomes instantly recognisable anywhere in the world,” he added.
Under Ezeaku’s leadership, Rangers International have also attracted several commercial partnerships in recent seasons. These include Afrinvest as the club’s major front-of-shirt sponsor, Amakris Kitchen as official chef, and Nortra Tractors as sleeve sponsors.
FC Schaffhausen official alongside Ezeaku in Switzerland. Photo Credit: Rangers Media/X
The club has also formed a collaboration with Swiss side FC Schaffhausen and worked with GO Diaspora Football, IMT Enugu as part of its broader international and developmental strategy.
Nzapi is an indigenous Enugu-based apparel brand known for its storytelling T-shirts that blend fashion with culture and narrative.
The company has collaborated with several organisations and cultural platforms, most recently serving as the Official Wearable Narratives Partner for the Things Fall Apart Festival 2025, and has also worked with the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2025.
Nzapi chief executive Ugwuozor Odinaka Peter said the partnership is built on shared values rather than short-term gains, stressing the importance of commitment and passion behind the agreement.
“No matter how vast the contract is, if the spirit behind that contract is flawed, it won’t grow, but if the spirit speaks of commitment and passion, that contract will grow.”
Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Odinaka described the deal as a journey, pledging that Nzapi’s involvement would leave the club in a stronger position.
“For every single day that Nzapi is committed to Rangers, we are going to give our best to ensure that when we meet Rangers on a brand level, we leave Rangers better than we met it,” he said.
As part of the partnership, Nzapi will roll out a range of fan-focused products, with an emphasis on accessibility and everyday wear.
“We are very particular about T-shirts,” Odinaka explained.
“We understand that some fans may not want to wear a jersey all the time. We specialise in T-shirts that you can wear anywhere – to sleep, to work out, to live your life.”
Nzapi hood. Photo Credit: Nzapi/Instagram
The product range is expected to include T-shirts, caps, key rings and other lifestyle items, with further designs to be unveiled in the coming months. Nzapi also plans to introduce a referral-code system that allows fans to earn a percentage from merchandise sales they promote.
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Beyond merchandise, Nzapi says it will also contribute to brand revamping and player visibility.
“Our commitment is beyond sales,” Odinaka said.
“It is also about brand perception, brand acceptance and brand depth of ownership. Rangers is a good brand, and we are committed to adding that extra value.”
Nzapi t-shirts. Photo Credit: Nzapi/Instagram
On the pitch, Rangers International return to action in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, when they host Rivers United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, as the league resumes for the second stanza of the season.
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The Flying Antelopes are currently sixth on the table with 29 points and will face league leaders Rivers United, who sit top of the standings on 37 points, as Rangers push for a ninth NPFL title.
