The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Wednesday, gifted the veterans of the 1977 victorious Rangers International Football Club of Enugu the sum of N1m each.
THE WHISTLER gathered that in 1977, when Enugu Rangers won the African Winners Cup, the federal government awarded the team ₦25,000. The sum, it was learnt, was less than the ₦50,000 given to ICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan after their victory in the same competition in 1976. FG had promised to up the sum, but failed.
The difference had attracted reactions from the Igbo race. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a symbolic event on Wednesday, paid each member of the victorious Rangers team ₦1 million in recognition of their contribution to the Igbo pride and post-war resilience.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, at the event, described the event as “symbolic”.
In his words, “This is a pledge made by the federal government, but it is Ohanaeze Ndigbo that has redeemed it today. If the government has forgotten, the Igbo will never forget.
“After the Biafran Civil War, when Ndigbo were at their lowest ebb, Rangers International rose as a beacon of hope and resurgence. Their victory rekindled our spirit. Since the government failed to redeem its promise, we are doing so today.
“Ohanaeze’s action demonstrates the Igbo philosophy of self-worth and unity: the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
Ex-Rangers goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala expressed gratitude to Ohanaeze for honouring the team.
According to him, “Since 1977, some of our teammates have died. It’s a great thing that I am alive to witness this fulfilment. The money will help in supporting the medical needs of surviving players.”
He added that ex-Rangers players had maintained strong bonds through an alumni group and were planning a remembrance event for their late colleagues, including Coach Chukwu.
Also present was skipper Dominic Nwobodo. Families and representatives of deceased players, including the late coach Christian Chukwu, also received the payments.
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