Enugu State Government has charged Rangers International F.C players to be at their best to be crowned Federation Cup 2023 champions on June 21, 2023, when they engage Bendel Insurance in the final game of the competition slated for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chris Mbah, charged the players after their training session at the club’s training pitch, Independence Layout, Enugu.
Mbah told the players that Enugu state governor, H.E, Barr. (Dr.) Peter Mbah directed him to inform the team that his heart is with them going into the final of the oldest club competition in the country.
He was urging them to put their heart into the encounter and be focused to be able to replicate the miracle of Asaba 2018 when the club defeated Kano Pillars to lift the trophy.
“You have to show commitment, and seriousness to bring the image of the state and your own image up because football is all about strength, skill, commitment, and teamwork.
Exhibit teamwork, and remain disciplined because you have a sound technical team. I believe this is the best time to appreciate the technical team’s efforts. The governor promised to be in Asaba to cheer you up to victory and he believed in work, getting the result, and being rewarded,” Mbah said.
The club’s Administrative Secretary, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, urged the players to finish the assignment they started on a positive note, stressing, “At a point like this, we need all hands to be on deck so that we get the needed result and appreciate our efforts in getting this far. Enugu Government has shown serious interest in the trophy by supporting the team both in action, approvals and spiritually to ensure the trophy comes to Enugu.”.
Technical adviser of the club, coach Abdul Maikaba, said the visit would help to motivate the entire team as he said, “We promise to give our best to make sure that we bring the trophy to Enugu to compensate for our league performance and it is a small job with the management’s encouragement.”
Captain of the club, Uche John, said the players were overwhelmed to receive the permanent secretary and promised that the players would deliver, stressing, “We are surprised and also happy to see you here and it is a big motivation for us going into the final match of the oldest competition in the country. I can only say that we have gone too far to go back. With God on our side, the trophy is ours because I believe in my colleagues and our technical crew.”
The permanent secretary was accompanied on the trip by Onah Chukwudi, Director of Administration; Boniface Onovo, Director of Organizing; Dan Onwuegbuna, Deputy-Director, Information in the ministry.
