By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
In a proactive move ahead of the upcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, the management of Rangers International FC has partnered with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to educate its players and officials on the dangers of illegal drug use.
The initiative, aimed at ensuring a clean and fair sporting environment, was highlighted by an advocacy visit from NDLEA officials to the Rangers players camp in Enugu.
The NDLEA delegation, led by Deputy Zonal Commander, Barrister Ekwalor Amaka, addressed the players directly.
Amaka stressed the importance of dedication and hard work, deploring any dependence on performance-enhancing drugs, which she called a “short cut to victory that will in the end amount to nothing.”
She emphasized that true success comes from diligent effort, stating, “It’s better to work tediously to mount the rostrum and be crowned champions than cutting corners with the use of illicit drugs that will ultimately lead to disgrace and gnashing of teeth when discovered.”
Representing the club’s General Manager/CEO, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, its Administrative Secretary, Barrister Alex Egbo thanked the NDLEA for their timely intervention.
Egbo assured the agency that the club has a zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use and remained committed to upholding clean sporting practices.
The team doctor, Dr. Wen Udeoji, echoed the sentiment, praising NDLEA for their message and reaffirming that Rangers is and will remain a “clean club.”
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer (Q&A) session where players and officials had the opportunity to ask questions, followed by a symbolic exchange of memorabilia and group photographs.
The event underscored the club’s dedication to integrity both on and off the field.
In a separate but related effort to foster discipline, the club also presented its players with a new Code of Conduct. The document, presented by Barrister Egbo, is intended to serve as a guide for good conduct and help the team achieve its goals for the new season.
Egbo stated: “It is the understanding of management that this document will serve as a proper guide for every player’s good conduct that will help us achieve our set targets.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Officials from both sides exchange memorabilia.
