Former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe has praised Rangers International’s leadership structure and commitment to youth development following a surprise visit to the club’s training session in Enugu.
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Anichebe, who began his professional career as a teenager at Everton, addressed the Flying Antelopes during training at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, revealing that he has been monitoring the team’s progress despite their uneven start to the season.
“Thank you for receiving me today, for stopping your intense training session just to say hello to me,” Anichebe told the players. “I just came here to see you guys. I have been watching you guys progress this season.”
The former Premier League forward noted that Rangers’ youthful profile distinguishes them in a league often dominated by more experienced squads.
“I saw the start of the season you guys were not so high,” he said. “I can see you guys are young players. You guys are not like other teams – you’re doing it right.”
Drawing from his own career, which saw him make his Everton reserve-team debut at just 15 before breaking into the first team in 2006, Anichebe acknowledged the challenges young teams face in maintaining consistency. However, he singled out Rangers’ leadership as a critical stabilising force.
“Sometimes as young players, consistency is difficult,” he explained. “You have a very good GM/Chairman. He is the best in Nigeria in terms of leadership.”
Anichebe specifically praised Rangers’ General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, describing him as a key reason for the club’s steady growth and clear direction.
“That’s why I came here today,” he added. “I don’t go to the other clubs because a lot of them are not doing it correctly. He is doing very, very well.”
The former Nigeria international, who won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and scored on his Super Eagles debut against South Africa the same year, urged the players to embrace discipline, patience and unity as the season enters a crucial phase.
“So you guys are fortunate that he believes in young players,” Anichebe said. “You guys have good training. He understands the infrastructure that comes around football. As long as you keep working hard and keep training hard, the results will come.”
Anichebe, who also featured for Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and clubs in China before retiring, emphasized the importance of faith, humility and trust in the technical crew.
“Working hard and consistency—that’s the most important thing,” he stressed. “Trust in your coaches, all the staff around you. Hopefully, at the end of the season, you can win the league.”
Rangers International are currently third on the Nigeria Premier Football League table with 39 points and remain firmly in the title race as they push for a record-equalling ninth league crown. They face Abia Warriors next in the Oriental Derby on Matchday 25.
