By Teddy Nwanunobi
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title for a record ninth time.
Tinubu commended the players, coaching crew, management and supporters of the Enugu-based club for finishing top of the league table with 68 points from 38 matches, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
He President noted that Rangers’ remarkable dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, when the club won several league and FA Cup titles.
He also referenced the club’s appearance in the 1975 African Cup of Champions Clubs final and its triumph in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup competition.
“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the president said.
Tinubu described Rangers as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most successful football clubs with a rich history of producing exceptional talents for the country.
“As one of the oldest clubs in Nigeria, Rangers have produced some of the nation’s finest football players. They went on to make the country proud on the global stage. I am proud of their achievement,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended Rivers United for what he described as an impressive performance and sportsmanship throughout the league campaign.
He wished Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League competition.