President Bola Tinubu has extended official congratulations to Rangers International FC following their record ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title, a triumph that cements the Enugu club’s status as one of Nigerian football’s most storied institutions. The Flying Antelopes clinched the 2024/2025 season championship with an impressive 68 points from 38 matches, holding off strong competition from Rivers United to reclaim domestic supremacy after years of pursuit.
In a statement released Monday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended not only the players and technical crew but also the passionate supporters whose unwavering loyalty has sustained the club through decades of competition. Rangers’ latest achievement marks a return to glory for a team whose golden era in the 1970s and 1980s saw them dominate Nigerian football and make significant marks on the continental stage. Their historic run to the 1975 African Cup of Champions Clubs final and their triumph in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup remain defining moments in West African football history.
President Tinubu drew a direct connection between Rangers’ success and the governance policies in Enugu State, specifically praising Governor Peter Mbah for prioritizing youth and sports development. According to the President, investments in grassroots sports infrastructure and support for elished clubs have created an environment where excellence can flourish. Such government backing, he noted, provides the foundation necessary for Nigerian clubs to compete effectively both domestically and internationally.
Rangers International has long served as a talent pipeline for the Nigerian national teams, producing generations of players who have represented the country with distinction on global stages. As one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, their contribution extends beyond trophies to include the development of technical ss, competitive discipline, and professional standards that have elevated the entire league. The President emphasized this legacy as a source of national pride, noting that clubs like Rangers play an essential role in shaping the country’s sporting identity.
While celebrating Rangers’ championship, President Tinubu also recognized Rivers United for their competitive campaign throughout the season. He praised their disciplined approach and sportsmanship, qualities that elevated the title race and demonstrated the improving standards across Nigerian football. Both clubs will now turn their attention to continental competition, having secured qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League, where they will carry Nigerian hopes against Africa’s finest teams.
Looking ahead, the dual qualification presents an opportunity for Nigerian football to reassert itself on the African stage after years of inconsistent continental performances. With proper preparation and continued support from both state governments and football authorities, Rangers and Rivers United could restore the respect Nigerian clubs once commanded in CAF competitions. Their success or struggles in the Champions League will likely influence future investment decisions in domestic football and shape conversations about the league’s competitive standards relative to other African competitions.
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