Supporters Club rues Rangers Int'l FC home matches miss

Posted : 10 November 2023

Dr. Uchenna Orji, the Chairman of the Rangers International FC Supporters Club, expressed his concern about the challenges facing club members when attending Rangers' home matches, which are currently being played away from home.

As a reminder, the Flying Antelopes, who have won the league seven times, are currently hosting their home matches at the nearby Awka Stadium in Anambra State due to the ongoing renovations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (The Cathedral).

Orji then called for a swift renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, the team's home ground.

In an exclusive interview, Orji stated that the club playing their matches away from home has had a significant impact on football enthusiasts throughout the state.

According to Orji, Rangers have been playing all their matches away from home for the last three seasons, and this has had a serious impact on the supporters' club.

"It is affecting us in several ways, including, but not limited to, time wasted, fatigue, security concerns, financial strain, and we endure all these because of the love we have for Rangers.

"Supporters club members travel at least once a week from Enugu to cheer and support Rangers to victory in their matches.

"This is happening amidst the security challenges in the country, and the supporters club embarks on these journeys using an old and often unreliable bus that frequently breaks down on the highway.

"Just last week, we had a flat tire on our way to Awka, and only by the grace of God were our lives spared," he said.

Orji mentioned that the supporters' club is a major stakeholder in Rangers' management, but unfortunately, they are not adequately involved.

"A few individuals in the Rangers' management seem to view the supporters club as a social club for Rangers enthusiasts.

"They mistakenly fail to recognize that the supporters club is an integral part of the Rangers management corporation.

"These individuals have not taken the time to read and understand the regulations governing the creation of Rangers. The supporters club is the only arm that is permanent; others come and go.

"The supporters club is the stronghold, while others are the transient soldiers. I hope that the current Rangers management will take the necessary steps," the chairman stated.

He emphasized that the Rangers management needs to involve the supporters club in the operation of the club.

Orji noted that the supporters club should have a close connection to the government by having a member appointed as a Special Adviser (SA) to the governor on Rangers' matters.

"Previously, we had the Special Assistant to the governor on Rangers matters, a position held by the chairman of the Rangers supporters club."

He expressed disappointment that the position has been abandoned, and the office remains locked and unused in the Ministry of Youths and Sports.

"We appeal to the governor to appoint a Senior Special Adviser on Rangers matters.

"We are the only ones who will provide honest feedback to His Excellency about Rangers, rather than individuals with sentimental attachments," Orji pleaded.

Supporters Club rues Rangers Int'l FC home matches miss

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