NPFL champions Rangers name 28 players in pre-season squad, including 2024 Super Eagles invitee

The management of CAF Champions League 2024/2025 campaigners and reigning NPFL 2023/2024 champions, Rangers International F.C has given its retained as well as the newly engaged players, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to hit the Coal City for the kick-off of pre-season activities ahead of the fast approaching season.

Twenty-eight players have been included in the pre-season squad, including 2024 Super Eagles invitee Kenneth Igboke, who was a non-playing substitute in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin last month. 

G.M/CEO of the club, Amobi Ezeaku Esq. in conjunction with the technical adviser of the 'Flying Antelopes', Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu confirmed this date and list of players expected back after due diligence, Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The gladiators expected back to resume club activities with the reigning champions include; Japhet Opubo, Detan Ogundare, Ikenna Stephen, Joel Odoh, Kenneth Igboke, Austin Onyemaechi, Philip Clement, Ejike Ugochukwu, Kalu Nweke, Kenechukwu Agu, Isaac Saviour, Godwin Obaje, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Austin Opara, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Chinemerem Ugwueze, Chiedozie Okorie, Kazeem Ogunleye, Kingsley Maduforo, Naziru Auwalu, Rabiu Muhammad, and Frank Uwumiro.

They will be joined by the likes of Garando Tekena, Evans Ogbonda, Anayor Ogbonna, Ekeson Okorie, Chimobi Igwilo, Somtochukwu Nwobodo, and some others whose negotiations are still ongoing as of press time.

Rangers' boss, Amobi Ezeaku Esq., said ahead of the resumption, "I am quite sure that our players got the needed rest from the rigors of last season and we expect them back to camp on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, for proper preseason activities to commence. We thank all those who were there for us in the concluded season and expect more from them as we venture into the continent to make a big impact and successfully defend our NPFL title."  

On the break and resumption, Ilechukwu said, "It was a needed break for the footballers after a lengthy season that was energy-sapping, and even when more time would have been given, we can't do that as we have to kick-start preparation for the continental competition that is scheduled to start in August. Returning early is a sacrifice we must make to realize our set target for the coming season."

Rangers have completed all documentation for participation in the premier club competition on the continent and are waiting for its club licensing certificate from CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel