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“It Looked like a Fixed Match” — Angry Enugu Rangers Fan Demand Answers For Heartland Loss

Makes case for Improved welfare

The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season ended with Remo Stars lifting their first-ever league title. But for Enugu Rangers fans, it was a season of heartbreak and unanswered questions. After starting strong, Rangers fell apart midway and failed to qualify for continental competitions — a shocking outcome for last season’s champions.

Among the most outspoken fans is Emmanuel Okeke, popularly known as Okwuluora ndi Igbo. Speaking on Primesport 104.9 FM Enugu, Okeke openly suggested that some matches, especially the loss to Heartland FC, seemed suspicious.

“Four days before that match, Heartland fans called me and said they would beat Rangers 2-0. They claimed there was an arrangement. I was shocked when that exact scoreline happened. The goals were magical. It looked like a fixed match,” Okeke said bitterly.

Okeke, known for his deep passion for Rangers, said the loss made him reduce his support. “I gave up travelling to America just to watch Rangers play, that’s how much I love this club. But after that Heartland match, I was heartbroken. Someone needs to come out and tell us what really happened,” he added.

He criticised the club’s management for poor handling of players’ welfare, saying many players couldn’t even pay rent or eat well, which killed their motivation. But he didn’t spare the players either: “Even if you’re not paid well, play your heart out and sell yourself. If you’re lazy, no big club will want you.”

Okeke called for a total overhaul of the club. He urged the Rangers General Manager to stop playing for the team and focus on solving the many problems. “The GM should leave playing alone. The job of saving Rangers is too big. He should sit in the VIP and manage the club properly,” he said.

Okeke also lamented the poor treatment of players on away trips, saying they were lodged in terrible hotels and packed three in a room just because it was near the stadium. He compared the situation to what happens at successful clubs like Remo Stars, praising their trophy tour and management.

The die-hard fan appealed to the Enugu State governor to take Rangers more seriously, stressing that football is serious business that could bring millions of dollars in revenue through continental competitions.

“Rangers is everything to us. This club gives us joy. The players are hungry, the buses are bad, the management is poor. We are begging the governor — don’t let Rangers die,” Okeke pleaded.

Fans are now demanding that Rangers officials face supporters and explain what went wrong during the season. Many believe that only transparency and a fresh start can help bring back the glory days of Enugu Rangers.

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