Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has extended his congratulations to Rangers International Football Club of Enugu for clinching the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a match to spare.
The governor’s congratulatory message comes on the heels of the team’s impressive 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance Football Club at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday.
A 33rd-minute goal by Kenechukwu Agu and a 65th-minute goal by Chidiebere Nwobodo secured the title for the Fidelis Ilechukwu-led team, marking their eighth league title and their second since 2016.
With their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba Football Club, both suffering defeats in their match-day 37 fixtures against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively, Rangers maintained a commanding 67-point lead with one game remaining.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Governor Mbah praised Rangers’ title triumph and their impressive performance on the field, emphasizing that it reflected the sporting excellence Enugu State is renowned for.
He affirmed his government’s commitment to investing more resources in sports development within the state.
“I can tell you that the government and people of Enugu State are very excited. What we have witnessed here this evening is the reenactment of the greatness that Enugu is known for.
“Part of what I said to the players before the match started was that they had the weight of history on their shoulders because they were walking the path legends had walked and that it was incumbent on them to deliver.
“I’m so excited again that this has happened.
“Indeed, our tomorrow is here. It is again part of connecting the dots in the sports sector. As you already know, we want to be number one in everything we do.
“So, we have zero tolerance for failure or mediocrity and our work ethic is impeccable,” Mbah said.
He said the state would continue on that trajectory, making sure that they had a good reward system, motivating the players to go all out and bring back the trophy.
On sports infrastructure, he said, “You would attest to the fact that getting our pitch back in shape immediately after we assumed office to enable Rangers to play their home matches here at The Cathedral was a huge motivation for the players.
“But I want to assure Enugu people that they have not seen anything yet. As you are aware, our goal is a total turnaround of the sports industry in the state.
“This includes the sports infrastructure, building world-class facilities and upgrading existing ones to a world-class standard.”