- CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu
Ahead of Friday’s first leg, preliminary round game of this year’s CAF Champions League
between Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and the J.S Saoura of Algeria, the Nigerian champions have been boosted with promise of N1million for every goal scored against the north African team.
The Flying Antelopes who are due to depart Lagos for Algiers this morning were promised this mouth-watering bonus by a staunch supporter of the team, Charles Ugwu, during a send-forth meeting Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had with the players and officials yesterday.
Ugwu stressed that he is moved to make the promise to the players to boost their chances of progressing in the competition “because Rangers is not just a team but also a movement that has united Ndigbo over the years.” He further assured the governor to mobilise supporters of the club for the task before Rangers.
Earlier, Ugwuanyi charged Rangers to display their professionalism and commitment to be able to win the match.
The governor also assured the club of the blessings, best wishes and prayers of the whole nation “as ambassadors and flag bearers of our great country Nigeria in this competition”.
He said that the state remains grateful to God for bringing Rangers to the competition as Champions of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), adding that with “God on our side, we are confident that you will come back from this competition as Champions of Africa in Jesus Name.
“Having lifted the NPFL trophy after 32 years in the wilderness, we have revived the famous Rangers spirit; the spirit of commitment, industry, ingenuity and brotherhood; the Never-Say-Die spirit of Rangers – the true champions.
“And as you depart for Algeria today, we pray that the Almighty God will grant you divine protection, guidance and a resounding victory against your opponents”, Gov. Ugwuanyi concluded.
In his remark, the captain of the team, Mathew Etim, pledged that the players were determined and going for business in Algeria to make Enugu State proud once again, calling for the support and prayers of the people of the state and fans.
The club led by its General Manager, Christian Chukwu, arrived Lagos yesterday en-route Algeria for the match on Friday.
