Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International of Enugu, are grappling with unrest in their camp as players and staff express frustration over unpaid November salaries.
Despite assurances from the club’s management, the delay has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations as they defend their league title.
Financial Constraints Highlighted
Sources close to the team reveal that the Enugu State Government allocates less than ₦20 million monthly to Rangers International FC, a budget significantly leaner than those of many NPFL rivals.
This limited funding has put the club under financial strain, despite the efforts of General Manager Barrister Amobi Ezeaku. His resourcefulness in securing sponsorships has supported the club’s programs, but the ongoing salary delays underline the challenges of sustaining operations on such a tight budget.
Afrinvest, a leading investment management and financial technology company in Nigeria, has made a multi-million naira investment in football talent hunt and growth in the country, Rangers International of Enugu.
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Morale Impacted
The unpaid salaries have created tension within the squad, particularly with the festive season approaching. Players are reportedly growing frustrated as financial issues persist, even though the team currently sits third in the NPFL standings after 17 weeks.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who is currently on international duty with the Super Eagles B team, has stepped in to reassure the players. He urged them to remain focused on their performances and expressed confidence that the salary issue would soon be resolved.
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Management’s Response
The management of Rangers International FC has assured the players that their salaries will be settled before Christmas Day. This pledge has provided some relief, though the squad remains wary of potential further delays.
Reacting to the development, Rangers’ Media Officer, Norbert Okolie, spoke on “Outside the Line Show” on Prime Sports 104.9FM Enugu, confirming the delay in November salary.
“It’s true that the players haven’t received their salary for the month of November, which is partly due to the Enugu State Government’s E-system migration and the reshuffle in the corporation’s account department,” he explained.
Okolie also sought to dispel fears of unrest within the squad, assuring fans that the players are fully committed to executing their upcoming game against long-time rivals Shooting Stars.
Next Match Looms
Rangers are currently on a 10 matches unbeaten run and are set to host Shooting Stars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday for match day 18 of the NPFL.
