The management of Rangers International F.C is waiting positively for the response from the L.M.C after the full inspection of the Awka City stadium which is been proposed for its new home ground in the ongoing 2021/2022 NPFL season.
Led by the Administrative Secretary of the club, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, who met with the LMC delegate, Dr. Sunny Obaseki, and the CEO of LMC, Prince Davidson Owumi who was on the ground, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ family is optimistic of getting a favourable response from the league body to move its home games to the newly constructed facility.
Speaking after the inspection that took the team round the imposing facility’ dressing rooms for both players and officiating officials, medical rooms, and the main playing turf, Rangers’ leader of the delegation, Barrister Ugwuarua, said, “If approval is given, the Flying Antelopes will play their next home game (a Match Day 19 fixture) against Lobi Stars of Makurdi in Awka. We have seen the pitch, which is world-class, and the dressing rooms are superb, and I must say that the contractor did a great job here. Due to the poor pitch in Nnewi, we did better in away games than at home. After our technical analysis, the report showed that poor pitch was responsible. But we are hopeful that with this venue, our home games will be much better.”
Also speaking after the inspection, the technical adviser of Rangers, coach Abdul Maikaba said, “With the pitch of Awka city stadium, I believe we have got a home. A home where we can express ourselves better. We managed for some time at the natural turf of F.C Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi, and we really appreciate and thank the people of Nnewi for their support during our stay. With what I have seen here, it gives us hope of playing better football here and gathering more points especially as we are aspiring to be one of the three clubs that will represent the country in next season’s continental football. What we saw on the ground in my own estimation, are all FIFA standard and I strongly believe that we shall get the nod to play our games here.”
Victor Aniekwena, the Vice-Chairman of Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA), who was on the ground to guide the inspection team around the facility, later said that the stadium was built to meet the minimum international standards for pitches.
Aniekwena said the state was ready to host Rangers, expressing hope that the LMC would produce a good report and approve the venue.
Also speaking, Ebi Egbe, the Managing Director of Monimichelle Ltd. who were the contractors who handled the pitch, said the hybrid synthetic pitch was built with modern technology in the industry.
“Anambra now has a pitch that can host high-grade games in the country. But I must note that maintenance is important in keeping the facility in shape,” he said.
Stakeholders in the round leather game in the state and nearby states were on hand to join the inspection team at the facility that was commissioned in December 2021 by the governor of Anambra State, H.E, Sir. Willie Obiano.
