Eight-time Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers have launched an ambitious “Mission-9” campaign as they prepare for a potentially title-deciding clash against Ikorodu City in the final game of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Rangers general manager and chief executive officer, Amobi Ezeaku, said the club was fully focused on reclaiming domestic glory and believed the occasion represented one of the most important moments in the history of the Enugu side.
The Rangers boss expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters and the Enugu State Government for their backing throughout the season, while revealing that the club had officially activated its “Mission-9” drive in pursuit of a ninth league title.
“First of all, we thank God for bringing us to this level. This moment is phenomenal and iconic in the history of our club,” Ezeaku told Sportsday.
“We appreciate all our supporters and the Enugu State Government, especially His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for the immense support.”
“Now, we have activated Mission-9, which is our collective campaign to win the ninth NPFL title for our people and the teeming supporters of Rangers.”
Ezeaku also spoke confidently about Rangers’ chances in Lagos, insisting that the Flying Antelopes’ strong historical record against Lagos clubs away from home would serve as extra motivation heading into the encounter.
“We will play our final league match on May 24 at the Onikan Stadium. Yes, it is an away fixture, but history shows that Rangers have never lost to a Lagos team in Lagos. We are going into that game with the same winning mentality and confidence,” he stated.
The Rangers chief predicted a carnival atmosphere in Lagos for the decisive fixture and disclosed that supporters from Enugu and other parts of the country were already mobilising heavily ahead of the match.
He revealed that Governor Peter Mbah had approved 10 buses to transport supporters from Enugu to Lagos in a show of solidarity with the team.
“We know the support base is massive. Rangers supporters in Lagos are already preparing seriously for this game,” Ezeaku said
“His Excellency has graciously approved 10 buses to convey supporters from Enugu to Lagos on Saturday, May 23. So, everyone interested in making the trip should come out and join the movement.”
He further explained that the Rangers Supporters Club, under its chairman Dr Iloakasi, was also making elaborate arrangements to ensure strong support for the team inside the stadium.
Despite the growing excitement around the title race, Ezeaku stressed that Rangers’ main priority remained maintaining focus and mental discipline against an Ikorodu City side that has been formidable at home throughout the campaign.
He pointed out that Rangers and Ikorodu City were the only two clubs still unbeaten at home this season, adding that the Enugu club understood the magnitude of the challenge awaiting them in Lagos.
“What is most important now is for this team to remain focused and committed to giving everything in the match,” Ezeaku added.
“We must not forget that Rangers and Ikorodu City are the only two clubs that have remained unbeaten at home this season. So, we know exactly what is at stake.”
“We are going to Lagos to fight and to win because victory guarantees our ninth league title.”
Ezeaku concluded with an emotional rallying cry, insisting that fear had no place within the Rangers camp because of the club’s rich history and identity since its establishment in 1970.
“We are not going into this match with any atom of fear because this is Rangers,” he declared.
“We understand the significance of the Rangers badge and what this means in the annals of history for our people. That is why we are committed to this mission, and we will fight to the last drop of our blood. I believe that by 6pm on Sunday, we shall all be singing: ‘Holy, Holy, Holy… Enugu Rangers, another champion,’ by the special grace of God.”
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