After winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy after 32 years wait, all the management of Rangers International FC could afford to celebrate the worthy heroes of Nigeria club football was to pack the players into a flat-bed trailer to show off their league crown across the city of Enugu in a victory parade at the weekend.
Unlike what transpires in other clime when trophy winners are paraded in cosy buses, the trailer was a disservice to the effort of the Imama Amapakabo coached lads who fought hard to beat El Kanemi Warriors 4-0 on Match-day 38 of the Nigerian topflight league to be crowned champions again at their Cathedral in the Coal City.
The victory motorcade, though draped in Rangers traditional red and white colours, looked like something fit for clubs in Banana republics.
The victory motorcade, though draped in Rangers traditional red and white colours, looked like something fit for clubs in Banana republics.
Of course, residents of the former capital of the Eastern region who have waited endlessly for a day to celebrate the Flying Antelopes trooped out in thousands to salute the courageous Rangers.
It took off from the Rangers camp in Emene at about 10am and they passed through Abakpa Nike, Trans Ekulu before they terminated at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, where they had thrashed El Kanemi 4-0.
Coach Imama Amapakabo as well as top stars like Obinna Nwobodo, Bobby Clement, Christian Madu and Etim Matthew were part of the carnival.
“I challenged Rangers to win something and this is now possible,” said Imama.
“This is a big celebration. It is trophy we won with joy and tears. Under rain and sun we fought, but I am happy today, we are all happy,” said goalkeeper trainer Sulaiman Shuaibu.
Coach Imama Amapakabo as well as top stars like Obinna Nwobodo, Bobby Clement, Christian Madu and Etim Matthew were part of the carnival.
“I challenged Rangers to win something and this is now possible,” said Imama.
“This is a big celebration. It is trophy we won with joy and tears. Under rain and sun we fought, but I am happy today, we are all happy,” said goalkeeper trainer Sulaiman Shuaibu.
The fans came out in large numbers to celebrate with the champions.
In the meantime, sports commissioner Charles Ndukwe has announced Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will host both players and officials of Rangers on Tuesday at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Enugu, where striker Ifeanyi Egwim is fast recovering from a major leg injury he suffered on the final day of action.
The Governor is expected to on this day pledge his reward to the new Nigeria champions.
Officials said the reception was delayed because government wanted to put some logistics in place before the event.
In the meantime, sports commissioner Charles Ndukwe has announced Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will host both players and officials of Rangers on Tuesday at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Enugu, where striker Ifeanyi Egwim is fast recovering from a major leg injury he suffered on the final day of action.
The Governor is expected to on this day pledge his reward to the new Nigeria champions.
Officials said the reception was delayed because government wanted to put some logistics in place before the event.
