LMC inspects Awka stadium for approval as Rangers’ new temporary home ground

The League Management Company (LMC), organisers of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), on Tuesday inspected the newly-constructed Township Stadium football pitch in Awka, Anambra.

Newsmen report that the ground is the proposed new venue for the home matches of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu in the 2021/2022 NPFL.

Nnewi’s FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium has been temporary home to Rangers since the new season began, following the closure for repair works of their traditional home, Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Newmen reports that the LMC inspection team was led by Davidson Owumi, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO).

The inspection was sequel to the application by Rangers FC management for the club’s team to use the Awka stadium as a temporary venue for their home matches.

Owumi did not disclose their findings to newsmen who were at the stadium while his team was there, but he said such findings would be in their report.

Victor Aniekwena, the Vice-Chairman of Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA), later said the stadium was built to meet the minimum international standards for pitches.

Aniekwena said the state was ready to host Rangers, expressing hope that the LMC would produce a good report and approve the venue.

On his part, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, the Rangers FC Administrative Secretary, said his club was impressed with the quality of the facility.

Ugwuarua added that the official inspection of the pitch was part of the procedure for obtaining approval of the LMC.

“If approval is given, the Flying Antelopes will play their next home game (a Match Day 19 fixture) against Lobi Stars of Makurdi in Awka.”

He then commended football fans in Nnewi for their support for the club while they were playing there; expressing hope that Awka would be a better home for the club.

“We have seen the pitch, which is world class, and the dressing rooms are superb, and I must say that the contractor did a great job here.”

Ugwuarua however stated that the pitch in Nnewi affected their team’s game.

“Due to the poor pitch, we did better in away games than home. After our technical analysis, the report showed that poor pitch was responsible.

“But we are hopeful that with this venue, our home games will be much better,” he said.

Also speaking, Ebi Egbe, the Managing Director of Monimichelle Ltd. who were the contractors who handled the pitch, said the hybrid synthetic pitch was built with modern technology in the industry.

“Anambra now has a pitch that can host high-grade games in the country. But I must note that maintenance is important in keeping the facility in shape,” he said.

Newsmen reports that Abdul Maikaba, the Rangers’ Chief Coach, had complained about the state of the pitch in Nnewi some weeks ago and had asked the club management to take action.