By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Nigeria international Arthur Egbunam has blamed the lingering decline of Rangers International FC on entrenched ethnic bias within the club’s management. In an exclusive interview with *Jersey Number 12* from his base in Atlanta, USA, the ex-Flying Antelopes midfielder alleged that tribal sentiment continues to dictate key decisions at the Enugu-based side.
“The management should forget about where people come from when recruiting coaches and other important staff,” Egbunam stated, decrying what he described as favouritism and exclusion based on state of origin.
He criticised the appointment of a legal practitioner with no football background as club chairman, calling it a reflection of the poor football decisions at the top. “You cannot fit into their system if you’re not from Enugu. I was sidelined because I’m from Anambra. That same mindset still exists, and it’s why the club isn’t progressing,” he lamented.
Egbunam, who played for Rangers during their glory years, said the club’s inability to secure the league title for 32 years — from 1984 until their next triumph in 2016 — was a consequence of this tribal culture. He urged the Enugu State Government to learn from history and put competence above tribal and political considerations in future appointments.
“Appoint credible football administrators to run the club. Enough of placing politics and sentiment above football sense,” he added.
Rangers International, once dominant in Nigerian football, clinched six league titles between 1974 and 1984. After a decades-long drought, they returned to the summit in 2016 and again in 2023, bringing their total league title tally to eight. However, inconsistency, managerial issues, and internal wrangling continue to hinder their efforts to sustain success.
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