Kalu Hails Rangers’ NPFL Triumph, Urges Club to Target CAF Champions League Glory
Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Rangers International FC of Enugu on winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the feat as a product of hard work, discipline, resilience and effective leadership.
Kalu, who is widely known as the “African Pillar of Sports,” praised the club for bringing pride and honour to Enugu State and reaffirming its status as one of Nigeria’s most successful football institutions.
In a congratulatory message, the senator commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the club’s management, coaching crew, players and supporters for their collective efforts in securing the league crown.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to hard work, discipline, resilience and effective leadership,” Kalu said.
He noted that Rangers’ success demonstrates that Nigerian football clubs can attain greatness when backed by vision, commitment and adequate support.
The former governor challenged the Flying Antelopes to build on their domestic success by pursuing continental glory in next season’s CAF Champions League.
According to him, Nigerian clubs must once again establish themselves among Africa’s elite football teams and reclaim their place on the continental stage.
“I encourage Rangers to emulate the great Enyimba team of 2003 and 2004 by setting their sights on conquering Africa through the CAF Champions League next season,” he stated.
Kalu recalled his tenure as governor of Abia State, during which Enyimba Football Club achieved unprecedented success, winning six Nigerian league titles within eight years, as well as the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup and the FA Cup.
He said those accomplishments proved that Nigerian clubs possess the capacity to compete with and defeat the best teams on the continent.
“As Governor of Abia State, I was privileged to support Enyimba Football Club to unprecedented success. Those achievements proved that Nigerian clubs can compete with and defeat the very best teams in Africa,” he said.
The senator reiterated his commitment to the advancement of sports development across Nigeria and Africa, stressing that clubs should aspire not only to dominate domestically but also excel in continental competitions.
According to him, success on the African stage would enhance the country’s football reputation, create opportunities for emerging talents and foster national pride.
Kalu expressed confidence that Rangers have the talent, rich history and support base required to make a strong impression in continental tournaments.
“I have no doubt that Rangers possess the talent, history and support required to fly the Nigerian flag proudly in continental competitions,” he added.
While congratulating the club once again on its league triumph, Kalu reminded Rangers that the bigger challenge lies ahead.
“The journey does not end with winning the league title; the next challenge is bringing the CAF Champions League trophy back to Nigeria,” he said.
Rangers secured the NPFL title after an impressive campaign, earning the right to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League. The Enugu-based side will now seek to translate their domestic success into continental glory.