On Sunday the 2nd of October, 2016, the Rangers International FC of Enugu (a.k.a The Flying Anthelopes) defeated the visiting El Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri by four unreplied goals to lift the Nigerian Professional League trophy. This was exactly 32 years after Rangers last lifted the trophy. The match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu (nicknamed The Cathedral by football fans). This soccer cathedral of Nigeria was filled to the brim as the Rangers fans from all over the world led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State came out to support their darling team. Legendary supporters songs of Enugu Rangers roared from the stands all through – Holy, Holy, Holy, Enugu Rangers, Another Champions!!! and Kpebe Ekpere Ka Rangers Merie were topmost amongst the songs rendered from the popular Obiagu stand especially.

Rangers players did not disappoint as they entertained the phenomenal atmosphere with soccer artistry and eventually won in style with striker Chisom Egbuchulam scoring a hatrick. The only low point was the serious injury suffered by Rangers striker Ifeanyi Egwim towards the end of the game. At the end, coach Imama Amapakabo and his boys brought back the nostalgic feeling of champions to Enugu once more since 1984. Enugu Rangers equaled Enyimba FC of Aba’s record of seven league titles.

Special fans at The Cathedral on the day were old players of Enugu Rangers who thronged the stadium to lend their support and who the rest of the fans were happy to see thus adding glamour to the day. Their sight brought back fond memories of the good old days of Rangers International FC of Enugu as the be all and end all of Nigerian football. Some of the old Enugu Rangers players present on the day were:

Christian “Chairman” Chukwu – Former captain, coach of the 1984 squad and present Technical Director.

Louis “Town Commander” Igwilo – Captain of the 1984 league winning squad.

Patrick Ilouno

Okey Emordi – Also coached Rangers at some point.

Nwabueze Nwankwo

Harrison Mecha

Dominic Nwobodo

Christian Isiadinso

Jude Agada

Benedict “Surugede” Ugwu

Harrison “Mmimi” Okagbue

Amaechi “Darkness” Igweobi

Fancy Ewulu

Emeka Amadi

Joseph Nwafor

Isaac Chima

John Uwalaka

Mike Ogbuodudu

Chike Ikebani

Ifeanyi Ezeji

Paul Obiakor

Okwudili Jimoh

Sam Oparanma

Joseph Aniedobe

Napoleon Ilonzu

Ifeanyi Mazeli

Austin Igweokolo

Stanley Okoronkwo

Ifeanyi Onyedika

John Egbuonu

Igwe Okolo