By Francis Ogbuagu
Battered and tattared in 1970,the old Eastern Nigeria just emerged from a civil war that took more than two million souls.The region was left economically and morale devastated.
But,one thing was not tempared with,it was the never-say-die spirit of the Igbo race.The region has to start afresh,and a football club was part of that rebuilding plan.
This gave birth to Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on January 29, 1970, just two weeks after the end of the bloody,but avoidable Nigeria-Biafra war.The club, despite economic and other challenges it faced then broke boundaries,won trophies both locally and internationally.
For example, just a year after it’s formation,the Flying Antelopes won the Nigerian League,and four years later it conquered Africa in 1975. The club became the pride of Nigerian football all through the 70s and 80s.
Rangers remains the only football clubin Nigeria that has never been relegated since inception. The name has also been same since formation in 1970.
The club was nicknamed “The Flying Antelopes” because of their agility and skillfulness in the football pitch. This achievement earned them the “International” attached to the name.
After winning the 1974 double, including a 2–0 cup final win over Mighty Jets, the Enugu players were given promotions at the Nigerian Sports Council and cars.
In November 2008, Rangers became the first Nigerian clubside to be a public company and sell ownership stock.
Rangers, also had produced notable players such as Christian Chukwu, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Okala. etc
Rangers represents the never-say-die spirit of the Igbo.The Igbo is known to be very enterprising, hard working, enduring and turns whatever he lays his hand to gold.
We say CONGRATULATIONS to the
FLYING ANTELOPES.
