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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has fulfilled a 48-year-old financial pledge originally made by the Federal Government to players of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, winners of the 1977 African Winners Cup.
In 1977, the Federal Government paid the Enugu-based club N25,000 after their continental victory, half of the N50,000 awarded to ICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan when they won the same trophy in 1976.
The disparity sparked outrage among Igbo, who viewed it as a slight on the pride of a region still recovering from the Nigeria–Biafra war.
Nearly five decades later, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has stepped in to right that historical wrong by awarding N1 million each to surviving and late members of the 1977 Rangers squad.
During a brief ceremony at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat in Enugu on Wednesday, several ex-players, including legendary goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala and former team skipper Dominic Nwobodo (Chairman), confirmed receipt of the payment. Families of deceased players, including that of late coach Christian Chukwu, were represented by their relatives.
Speaking at the event, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, said the gesture symbolized Igbo resilience and gratitude to the team that rekindled hope in the aftermath of the civil war.
“This is a typical Nigeria thing. This is a pledge made by the Federal Government, but it is Ohanaeze Ndigbo that is redeeming the pledge today. This further shows how Igbo affairs are not of interest to Nigeria. One who is rejected does not reject himself.”
Mbata recalled how Rangers became a symbol of strength and unity for the Igbo nation when morale was at its lowest.
“Rangers International Football Club of Nigeria, immediately after the civil war, when America and Britain collaborated and defeated the Igbo, rose up as a beacon of light, strength, hope, and resurgence at that low point in Igbo history.
“They won the intercontinental cup and the government made a promise to give them N25,000 each. That promise was never redeemed. Since the government has refused, the Igbo people will redeem it. Let it be heard all over the world that the Igbo will never forget Rangers.
“Of the 19 players, eight are still alive while 11 have passed on. Whether dead or alive, Ohanaeze will honour them. The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and so it shall be for Rangers players,” Mbata declared.
Former goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying the support would help in their upkeep.
“It’s a great thing that I’m still alive to witness this fulfillment. Since 1977, some of our people are dead. It was N25,000 then, and now it has been made manifest.”
Okala added that the ex-Rangers players still maintain close ties through their association and are planning a memorial event for their departed colleagues, including Coach Chukwu.
