MEET THE PIONEERS OF RANGERS: JERRY ENYEAZU
It was 1970. The Nigeria-Biafra war had just ended & the East-Central State Government, led by Ukpabi Asika, was determined to rebuid & boost morale. Through the forceful advocacy of the visionary Sports Administrator, Jerry Enyeazu...
It was 1970. The Nigeria-Biafra war had just ended & the East-Central State Government, led by Ukpabi Asika, was determined to rebuid & boost morale. Through the forceful advocacy of the visionary Sports Administrator, Jerry Enyeazu...
...with initial support from Businessman, A.W Ibe, Pharmacist John Egwu, and Chief Bernard Ezenwa, the legendary football club known as Rangers International came to be born.
Jeremiah Amadi Enyeazu, fondly known as Jerry Enyeazu, was an iconic figure in Nigerian sports -
Jeremiah Amadi Enyeazu, fondly known as Jerry Enyeazu, was an iconic figure in Nigerian sports -
...a coach, administrator, and teacher, whose remarkable sports career started in the 1956 Olympics as Coach for the Nigerian Athletic Team.
Born on 17 August, 1922, Jerry attended the prestigious Government College, Umuahia, Yaba College, Lagos, and the University of Wisconsin.
Born on 17 August, 1922, Jerry attended the prestigious Government College, Umuahia, Yaba College, Lagos, and the University of Wisconsin.
Enyeazu's legacy was deeply intertwined with the growth of sports in Nigeria. He held pivotal roles: from being the Director of Sports in the Eastern Region and East Central State, to being the Founding Director of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in 1972.
His influence extended to the establishment of several football teams, including the renowned Rangers Football Club in 1970, which sparked a revolution in Nigerian football. Supported by Chief A.W. Ibe, Pharm John Egwu, & Chief Bernard Nzenwa, Enyeazu assembled a talented team...
...of trailblazers who left an indelible mark, winning titles and setting records.
Under his guidance and leadership, Rangers secured major victories, notably the National League in 1974, 1975, and 1976—a record yet unmatched by any other club in Nigeria.
Under his guidance and leadership, Rangers secured major victories, notably the National League in 1974, 1975, and 1976—a record yet unmatched by any other club in Nigeria.
His contributions went beyond football. As the East Central State Director of Sports, he led the Academicals to win the Adebajo Manuwa Cup for secondary schools in 1971.
Jerry Enyeazu was so outstanding and impressive that the government of General Yakubu Gowon appointed him..
Jerry Enyeazu was so outstanding and impressive that the government of General Yakubu Gowon appointed him..
...as the first Director of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in 1972. His dedication was evident in the Eagles soccer gold win at the Second All Africa Games in Lagoss shortly after.
Before Enyeazu left Enugu for Lagos, he set up a united East Central soccer team, Spartans..
Before Enyeazu left Enugu for Lagos, he set up a united East Central soccer team, Spartans..
The squad won the Soccer gold of the First National Sports Festival in 1973. The same team retained the soccer gold in 1977. Enyeazu also introduced the game of handball and later in 1974, led the Nigerian contingent to the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand...
With the creation of Imo State in 1976, Governor Ndubuisi Kanu wrote a personal letter to Enyeazu to come back home from Lagos and help the new state. Enyeazu founded two clubs for the new state: Enyimba of Aba and Spartans of Owerri [Now Iwuanyanwu Nationale/Heartland]...
He also founded the famous Grasshoppers International Handball Club of Owerri.
His visionary leadership ensured the success of these clubs, with all three football teams he founded making appearances in the CAF Champions League finals...
His visionary leadership ensured the success of these clubs, with all three football teams he founded making appearances in the CAF Champions League finals...
Jerry Enyeazu organized the first East Central State Sports Festival, setting a precedent for the national sports festival.
He died on 6 August, 2002 at the age of 80.
We celebrate this pioneer of greatness and the founder of a club that never says die!
#RangersInternational
He died on 6 August, 2002 at the age of 80.
We celebrate this pioneer of greatness and the founder of a club that never says die!
#RangersInternational
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