The Enugu state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, on Monday, congratulated the players, management, staff and fans of Rangers International FC, Enugu, for winning the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Rangers FC emerged winners of 2023–2024 NPFL league after beating Bendel Insurance FC, Benin, 2-0, on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba Football Club, lost their respective match day 37 fixtures 1-2 each against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively.

This left Rangers FC, also known as Flying Antelopes, with 67 points with a game to go and five points ahead of its nearest rivals.

The commissioner, who described the victory as a product of dedication, resilience and hard work; commended the players and management of the club for not taking their feet off the pedal until the victory was attained.

The state police boss gave the commendation in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the state’s police public relations officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu.

The commissioner said that he took particular delight in how the general manager of the club, Amobi Ezeaku, had so far piloted the affairs of the club.

He noted that his unmistakable leadership style and prowess contributed so much to the victory.

“I, therefore, urge him to keep the flag flying,” he said.

The state police boss expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the fans, especially during the club’s home games at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (a.k.a. the Cathedral).

He stressed that their positive conduct had again shown that sports, particularly football, remained a vital tool for the enhancement of public security and safety and the social re-engineering of society.

The commissioner also reassured a closer and more robust working relationship especially in the area of providing adequate security during the club’s home games.

“This has become more expedient given the victory and qualification of the club to participate in the Confederation of Africa (CAF) Champions League next season,” he said.

(NAN)