SPORTS EXCLUSIVE: Players Exodus Loom Over Enugu Rangers

Posted by African Examiner African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, Sports News Saturday, December 17th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

ENUGU NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Rangers international FC of Enugu is currently in a serious fix ahead of the 2017 Confederation of Africa football (CAF) champions’ league, as most of its utility players are threatening to quit the club due to poor remuneration.

The club, which is currently the 2015/2016 champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), will fly the nation’s flag during the 2017 CAF championship.

Rangers won the NPFL title last in 1984, about 32 years ago, hence many soccer enthusiasts now refer to the players as “jinxed breakers”

AFRICAN EXAMINER Sports gathered from a source close to the team that its handlers are presently finding it difficult to assemble a formidable squad that will prosecute the forthcoming continental soccer fiesta for the club, as most of its dependable players that won the trophy and whose contracts have elapsed are making plans to look elsewhere.

It was further learnt that since after the players came back from Benin city, the Edo State capital, where they went for their pre- season training, they have been pressing for an improved welfare, especially salary increase, as obtained elsewhere.

But the source said the State government and financier of the club are not disposed to such request at the moment, due to the ongoing economic recession confronting the entire nation.

Our Correspondent also learnt that the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Charles Ndukwe and Rangers Board management have been on their knees begging the players to remain as things would definitely improve during the next season.

Some of Rangers play makers AFRICAN EXAMINER gathered that are itching to try elsewhere includes maverick midfielders, Chisom Ebguchulam, Christian Madu, Mathew Etim, Godwin Aguda and its number 1and Super Eagles goal keeper, Emmanuel Daniel.

It would be recalled that Chisom Egbuchulam scored a hat-trick, when Flying Antelope sealed their Nigeria Professional Football League title win, with a 4-0 thumping of El-Kanemi Warriors.

One of the Coach Imama Amapakabo boys, who craved anonymity with our Correspondent, expressed dismay of the poor take home welfare package they get in Rangers.

Following the development in the club, there are fears that the management may likely have problem with the 28th December deadline for the submission of players list to CAF ahead of the continental engagement.

Meanwhile, the recent poor performance of the club in the just concluded NPFL super 4 competition held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, may not be unconnected with the alleged indisposition of some of the key players.

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, won the 2015/2016 Super 4 tournament.

Efforts to speak with Rangers media officer, Mr. Foster Chime on the issue failed, as his mobile phone was switched off, as at the time of filing this report.