Enugu Set for Massive Celebration as Rangers Parade NPFL Trophy

The city of Enugu is preparing for a grand celebration on Saturday as Rangers International F.C. begin festivities for their historic 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League title triumph.

Following their dramatic title-clinching victory over Ikorodu City at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, the Enugu State Government has finalised plans to host the club’s players and officials to a state reception after an elaborate trophy parade across the metropolis.

The Flying Antelopes secured their ninth league title in thrilling fashion, finishing the season with 68 points, one ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

The planned trophy procession is expected to transform Enugu into a carnival atmosphere, with thousands of supporters set to line major streets in celebration of the club’s return to the summit of Nigerian football.

Speaking to Sportsday on Tuesday, Rangers General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amobi Ezeaku revealed that the celebration would set a new standard for trophy parades in Nigerian football.

“The trophy tour will be holding on Saturday from 4pm to 6pm. His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, has graciously agreed to host the team,” Ezeaku said.

“In celebration of this historic achievement, the governor has approved the production of 1,000 new Rangers jerseys bearing nine stars above the club’s logo to symbolise our nine league titles.”

He added that the first 1,000 fans to arrive at Okpara Square on Saturday would receive the commemorative jerseys free of charge.

Ezeaku further explained that the club had carefully designed a unique celebration format aimed at delivering an unforgettable experience for supporters.

“We have fine-tuned plans to ensure that this parade carries a fresh identity and excitement level never seen in Nigeria before,” he stated.

“Everything is now in place to showcase this beautiful moment in a way that will remain special to the people of Enugu, Ndigbo and Rangers supporters across the globe.”

Since Rangers were confirmed champions, celebrations have continued across Enugu State, with fans and football stakeholders hailing the club’s achievement as the restoration of one of Nigeria’s most historic football institutions.

For many supporters, the title represents more than football success — it symbolises the rebirth of Rangers’ winning culture and a renewed sense of pride for the Coal City club.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio