A former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, is dead.

The former Enugu Rangers coach died at the age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday in his home state of Enugu.

However, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

His longtime teammate and friend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, confirmed the development in a post via his official X handle on Saturday.

Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Nation Cup with Chukwu, wrote, “My Chairman has passed on. This morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on.”

Chukwu, born January 4, 1951, captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and finished as a runner-up in 1976 and 1978.

The Enugu-born legend also led the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977.

Chukwu also served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985.

He was also the assistant coach of the team tagged the Golden Generation, the 1994 class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup finals.

In October 1998, he was appointed coach of the Kenya national team, and from 2003 to 2005, he coached Nigeria, leading them to reach the semifinals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.

Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.

He was, however, sacked in June 2005 during the qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Chukwu was appointed Ranger’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer by the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

He was a recipient of the honour, Member of the Federal Republic.

In 2019, Chukwu suffered prostate cancer, which affected his leg, which led the family to open a GoFundMe appeal to solicit funds for the Nigeria football legend’s medical treatment.

Businessman Femi Otedola eventually paid $50,000 for Chukwu’s treatment in the United Kingdom.

The $50,000 cheque was presented to Chukwu in Enugu by the Chief Operating Officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Philip Akinola.

Also present were ex-governor Ugwuanyi, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and a renowned sports journalist, Onochie Anibeze.

Chukwu, with support from the Enugu State Government, had already undergone initial surgery in Nigeria and had recuperated.

Punch Credited

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By Timothy Nwobodo

Enugu – Enugu Rangers earned a 1:0 home win against the league leaders, Rivers United in the match day 16 of the 2024 /2025 NPFL season thanks to a first half header from Chinemerem Ugwueze.

The Flying Antelopes started the match in a promising manner despite being without three of their key players; the big centre back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and the midfield duo of Kazeem Ogunleye and Isaacs Saviour who were on National duty. Their resilience was later rewarded in the 16th minute  when Chidubem Ugwueze headed home a Lucky Jimoh’s long throw.

The visitors came into the second half with more intent an pressure on the Flying Antelopes, making them to sit back and soak up pressure, they kept knocking and knocking but the compact defense of the Enugu Rangers denied them any hope of equaliser.

However, Rangers International assistant coach Eneh Ekene while reacting to the game said; “I must say this was a very good game of football against a strong team, for me the performance today was 50/50 and we hope to stay positive and continue with what we are doing because we are now 9 matches unbeaten.”

Rivers United gaffer, Finidi George complained about the time wasting approach the home team adopted towards the end of the game; “The three minutes added time was not enough because of all the changes that were made and players falling here and there, the goalkeeper taking time before serving the ball. However, we played well, just that we couldn’t get the equaliser, we’ll take the positives and move on to the next game.”He said.

Rangers are now two points behind league leaders, Remo Stars and will travel to Katsina this weekend to take on Katsina United, while Rivers United will welcome Kwara United on the Match day 17 of the NPFL respectively.

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By Amaechi Agbo, Enugu

Rangers International FC of Enugu was on Sunday crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.

The “Flying Antelopes” were handed their diadem in Jos after they beat Gombe United 2-1 in the final matchday 38 of the league watched by their state governor, Peter Ndubisi Mbah.

The triumph ensured that the Enugu based side won the league after accumulating 70 points from the available 114 points.

This is Rangers 8th trophy of the league which brings them at par with Enyimba FC who have also won the league a record 8 times. Both Rangers and Enyimba are the most successful teams in the country.

In the match at Jos, two early goals in 3rd and 7th minutes of the highly entertaining encounter off the boots of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje handed Rangers the driving seat but the host reduced the tally in 25 minutes off the boot of Sa’ad Abubakar while efforts to get more goals by either side proved abortive till the end of the first half of the encounter.

The second half was end-to-end stuff as the fans were at the edge of their seats as opportunities came and went with the short stoppers of the contending sides showcasing their stuff between the sticks.

Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau state counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and business mogul, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze were on the ground to witness the scintillating encounter and was involved in the medal and trophy presentation to the league winners, Rangers International F.C.

The Coal City side was later hosted to a grand dinner party by the G.M.D of Afrinvest West Africa, Prince Ike Chioke, which had three Enugu state commissioners present, players, coaches, backroom staff, and management staff were treated to sumptuous meals.

With the victory and trophy presentation, Rangers have extended their league triumphs to eight and will represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season with the target of getting as far as the final match.

This is a great day for all of us – Ilechukwu

Elated Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu said it was a great feeling for the team and dedicated the triumph to God and the good people of Enugu State for their massive support to the team.

“This is a great day for all of us in Rangers and we give God the glory. This is a victory for the government and people of Enugu state who supported us through thick and thin till we got to where we are today as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“We hope to get a few legs to add to this team to challenge for both domestic and continental honors next season effectively,” Mr Ilechukwu said

For their efforts in the the league, Rangers took home a giant trophy and a cheque for the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only which is the winning prize for the league.

Sporting Lagos, Doma United Relegated

Two clubs, Sporting Lagos and Doma United joined Heartland FC and Gombe United as the seek new lives in the second division league, the Nigeria National League (NNL)

Sporting Lagos marred by managerial crisis could not replicate their pre-league performance on the league as they went down just a year after they were promoted to the league.

Formed in 2021, the club gained promotion in 2023 but could not hold their way.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars will join Rangers in the CAF Champions League (their second return to the continent’s elite league) while Enyimba FC picked one if the tickets to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. The winner of the 2024 Federation Cup Final between Abịa Warriors and El Kanemi Warriors will pick the second ticket.

Enugu State Governor Host Rangers

The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah on Monday hosted the players, coaches and management of the 2024 NPFL Champions, Rangers Int’l FC in Enugu.

In an elaborate event held at the Ọkpara Square, prominent individuals including I politicians, captains of industries graced the event.

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By Amaechi Agbo, Enugu.

Rangers International FC of Enugu have won the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.

The Flyings Antelopes won the coveted trophy on Sunday after they defeated visiting Bendel Insurance 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The match was watched by the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah

Rangers, prior to the game, needed a win and a draw I. Their last two matches to take home the trophy for the second time in eight years but following results from other matchday 37 centres which went in their favour, they have been crowned champions with a game to round off the league.

Rangers top the league table with 67 points from 37 matches while their closest rival, Remo Stars have 62 points from same number of games.

Augustine Agụ Kenechukwu scored the opener against Insurance on the 33rd minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo’s 65 minute strike sealed the victory for Rangers.

The league triumph has put Rangers on equal level with Enyimba with eight league trophies as the most successful clubs in the country

By the virtue of their victory, Rangers will represent the NPFL at the 2025 CAF Champions League.

Rangers last played continental match in 2020.

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Seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL champions, Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu have been fined a total sum of five million naira (₦5, 000, 000.00) following disruption that occurred during the matchday 35 encounter against Enyimba FC in Enugu.

The match which held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was abandoned on the dot of 95 minute after a penalty was awarded to Rangers. Enyimba FC players, infuriated by the decision, walked out of the pitch.

The 25, 000 Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was filled to capacity with fans also standing along the track area.

Following a review of the incidence by the league organisers, Rangers have been found culpable for inability to adhere strictly to the rules governing the game.

The 2016 champions and current leaders if the league were fined for overticketing, insufficient security, lack of crowd control measures and failure to block individuals from gaining access to restricted areas.

Subsequently, Rangers was fined ₦2 000 000 for overticketing and a one million naira each fir the other three offences.

Below is the findings and decisions of the NPFL management:

SUMMARY JURISDICTION NOTICE To: Rangers Int’l FC NPFL

Date: 10″ June 2024

Upon review of the findings of the official reports for the Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on 9″ June 2024, the Nigeria Premier Football League states its findings as follows:

1. You are in breach of Rule B15.24 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you over-ticketed which led to the overcrowding at the Stadium.
2. You are in breach of Rule B13.5S2 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, 1n the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you failed to provide adequate and effective security.
3. You are in breach of Rule B13.52.1 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you failed to implement adequate and effective crowd control measures
4. You are in breach of Rule B13.52 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you failed to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to restricted areas.

Consequently, the NPFL hereby impose on you the following sanctions: 1. A fine of Two Million Naira only (N2,000,000) for over-ticketing.

2. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failing to provide adequate security.
3. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failure to implement effective crowd control measures.
4. A fine of One Millon Narra only (N1,000,000) for failure to prevent unauthorized persons from gainingaccess to restricted areas.
5. An order to implement a more effective crowd control mechanism in subsequent home games

In accordance with Rule C26, you are required, within 48 hours of the date of this notice, to either:

1) submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions contained herein; or 2) elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.

Any such election must be in writing addressed to the undersigned at the office of the NPFL. Should you submit to the summary jurisdiction and the prescribed sanctions, kindly note that the fines therein are to be paid within 7 working days.

Note that in accordance with Rule E1, where an appeal or election to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel fails or is found to have been frivolous, such party may be liable to such additional sanction(s) as may be deemed fit in the circumstances.

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Seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu have been approved to play their home matches of the ongoing league season at their home ground, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu by the League organisers following the completion of renovation work on the pitch.

The Flying Antelopes first home match on their home ground is against fellow traditional club side, Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan on Thursday. The match will kick-off by 4pm.

The General Manager, Rangers, Mr Amobi Ezeaku confirmed Rangers return to the Cathedral in a press briefing.

Speaking to the sports press in Enugu, the GM said “We are back to the Cathedral not just to play against Shooting Stars on the 28, we have returned to the Cathedral.”

Rangers last played a home match at the Cathedral in 2021 before the renovation work commenced in October same year.

More than two years after, with the club playing its home matches away in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the 2016 NPFL champions are back to their home ground and Mr Ezeaku explained what the home return means to the club and fans.

“To those who understand the atmosphere of the Cathedral, is a place we love to chant, it’s a place we enjoy the atmosphere in the day and night. It’s a place we tap the round leather, and we love it, not just because we play the game; we love it because of those behind us, the fans of this club, and we have to say that we are grateful to those fans who followed us to Nnewi when we started, from Nnewi to Awka.

“We are grateful to the Football Association of Anambra State, for their undying zeal and support, their effort to see that the flag of this great club keeps flying. Special thanks also to the Governor of Anambra State and to the Anambra State Football Association Chairman, General Chikelue, who made sure that every logistics for playing at the Awka Township Stadium was provided. It was over two years of great difficulty playing, we understand that the stadiums in the five South-Eastern states are home to Rangers, but then there is a place the umbilical cord of this club is buried, and that is at the Cathedral here in Enugu, in other words, we have a home in Awka, we have a home in Umuahia Abia State, we have a home in Ebonyi,

“We have a home in Imo State, but ultimately, the umbilical cord is buried here, in fact Enugu is the capital of all the states in the South-Eastern region, so we are grateful to the supporters who followed this club.

“Even those who followed from their homes, and now we are back, on the 28 of December we invite you, everyone to come to the stadium to support this great club. Few days ago we came back from Aba, and you all know the result, before the game we had won Sporting Lagos 2:0 in Awka, we couldn’t be where we are today without the support of our fans, and ultimately, the media who report these games to the people who do not attend.” he said.

He recognized the impact of the press in the reportage of Rangers activities and called for more support from everyone connected to Rangers.  

“We couldn’t be celebrating without the impact of the press, we celebrate you, we say thank you and now that we are back, we call for more support. We call for more commitment, deeper commitment to the philosophy that we’ve outlined, to the insignia of this club, to the badge of this club. We call for deeper respect for the history of this club, Rangers, because it is this club that symbolizes the true movement that we adore, and now that we’re back, the Cathedral has been sanctified.

“Our Cathedral must be protected, must not be desecrated, the players understand what is at stake. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his technical crew understand what is at stake, this management understand what is at stake; the State Government, the Governor of this State swore that Rangers will be back, and we’re back. We don’t take it for granted, so we want to stretch ourselves beyond limits, not just for Rangers but for the growth of football in this State,” he concluded.

“We will not forget the commitment of the Enugu State Football Association when we were playing away from Enugu. We will not forget the support from everyone, the board members of Enugu Football Association, we will not forget the SWAN, the Police, the security agencies, who have afforded this team so much protection whenever we travel to play, and come back.

“And now dear friends, it’s December, we’re playing a game just three days after Christmas, what other Christmas gift could the fans have asked for other than to see a game in the year 2023, and to be welcomed into the New Year with the hope that there will be more games at the Cathedral.”

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The Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has thrown open the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium gate for fans as the state owned football Club, Rangers International make a return to the stadium which is their home ground where they will face visiting Shooting Stars FC in matchday 16 of the 2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL

Rangers are playing their first home game at the stadium following renovation of the pitch which lasted for two years and two months.

The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the club, Mr Amobi Ezeaku disclosed this in a press briefing in Enugu ahead of the cracker which will kick-off by 4pm

“The Governor is going to pay for the tickets on the 28th for our fans who will come to watch the game at the Cathedral. In other words, the gate is thrown open at the behest of Dr Peter Mbah, just for the game on the 28th of December.

“He said, ‘if the fans has waited for two years, Rangers should at least give them an open gate.’ We said we don’t have money and then he promised he’ll pay for the tickets. So when you see my boss you’ll thank him for paying for the tickets.” he said.

The former Team manager of the club appealed to the fans to paint the stadium in red and white jersey in the game.  

“The gate of the Cathedral for the game against Shooting Stars has be thrown open, but we want to add, make the Cathedral colorful, go and buy your Rangers jersey, come to the Cathedral on the 28th on either white or red jersey, let’s color the Cathedral.”

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