Rangers Reward Players with $10,000 after Sobemap Victory

Rangers International General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, has given the players $10,000 (about N13.2m) for qualifying for the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Ezeaku made the announcement while speaking to the players after their penalty shootout win over Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap in Lomé, Togo. He assured the team that more rewards would come for their hard work.

“I am not going to say to you guys, when we get back to Nigeria, Captain, come, I have here with me $10,000, and this $10,000 is for you guys. Congratulations, and we are going to do more. By God’s grace, we are going to do more,” Ezeaku told the team.

The Rangers boss also encouraged the players to stay disciplined as they prepare for tougher matches ahead in the competition.

“Now, I want you to pay attention. We are a disciplined team,” he added.

This reward comes after the Flying Antelopes secured their spot in the next round by beating AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé last Friday.

The match ended 1-1 after regular time, which was the same score from the first leg in Abeokuta. This forced the game into a penalty shootout.

Even though Rangers missed their first penalty, they kept cool while the Benin champions missed two, giving the Nigerian champions the win and a place in the second preliminary round.

Ezeaku called the cash gift a reward for the team’s fighting spirit and dedication to the club.

“This is for the fight, the spirit and the badge,” he said.

Rangers will now focus on the second preliminary round, where they are set to meet Algerian champions MC Alger. MC Alger was held to a goalless draw by ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic in the first leg of their matchup.

The Flying Antelopes aim to go further in Africa’s top club competition after missing out on the group stage last time they participated following their 2024 NPFL title win.

Rangers’ biggest achievement in continental competition remains their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup victory, and the Enugu club hopes their latest Champions League campaign can bring back their past glory.