Rangers International Football Club is set to partner with the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA) in a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing football development and stimulating economic growth in Enugu State.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to reposition the state’s economy through innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships.
A delegation from ESIDA, led by its General Manager, Mr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, paid a courtesy visit to the corporate office of Rangers International Football Club, where extensive discussions were held with the club’s General Manager, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, on leveraging football as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Nnamani expressed strong optimism about the potential impact of the partnership, noting that Rangers’ rich heritage and global appeal could open new investment channels for Enugu State.
“Our partnership with Rangers will open up investment channels in Enugu State. If we identify countries with a strong appetite for investing in football, we can leverage diplomatic channels to establish sister-city relationships between Enugu State and those countries.
“This will allow us to drive investment promotion directly to their doorsteps. I am very optimistic that Enugu State will soon become a hub of investments,” he said.
In his response, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku expressed profound appreciation to the ESIDA team for the visit, emphasizing that the proposed collaboration is firmly aligned with the developmental vision of the state government.
“This engagement is deeply aligned with the clear and deliberate vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose unwavering commitment to reform, innovation, and results continues to reshape governance and development in Enugu State. His belief that sports, culture, and enterprise can serve as powerful drivers of economic transformation remains both inspiring and instructive,” Ezeaku stated.
He further highlighted Rangers’ broader value beyond football success, describing the club as a platform for economic opportunity.
“Rangers represents history, identity, and passion. Beyond that, Rangers represents opportunity for young people, for businesses, and for investors. Through structured partnerships across infrastructure development, youth and women’s football, merchandising, tourism, and the creative economy, sport can meaningfully contribute to the economic prosperity of our state,” he added.
Barr. Ezeaku also revealed that both parties are optimistic about formalizing the partnership within the next two to three weeks.
He disclosed that the club’s U-18 team is scheduled to participate in a prestigious youth tournament in Italy, an opportunity that could further attract international scouts, clubs, and potential investors to Enugu State.
“With the way ESIDA is going, we will be happy to announce our partnership in the next two to three weeks. Our U-18 team will be going to Italy for a major youth tournament, which also presents an avenue to engage scouts and bigger clubs around the world. This could potentially translate into investments in our state. With your visit, we are doubly charged, and together we will achieve great things,” he concluded.
Also present at the meeting were Barr. Alexander Egbo, General Secretary of Rangers International Football Club; Dr. Nnenna Nwomeh, Director of Legal; Barr. Azubuike Onyedikachi, Media Officer of the club; and other key officials.