Seven time Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers International have confirmed that they will use the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as their temporary home venue for the preliminary rounds of the 2026 CAF Champions League.
The decision comes as renovation work continues at the club’s traditional home ground, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, which is yet to meet the Confederation of African Football’s requirements ahead of the new continental season.
For one of Nigeria’s oldest and most successful football clubs, the move represents a practical solution to ensure they remain fully prepared for Africa’s most prestigious club competition while waiting for their home stadium to be upgraded.
The Flying Antelopes are expected to begin their CAF Champions League journey in early September, with the first preliminary round scheduled to kick off on September 4. Club officials believe choosing the Remo Stars Stadium will provide the team with a modern and CAF-approved venue capable of hosting high-profile continental fixtures.
The temporary relocation means Rangers supporters in Enugu may have to travel several hundred kilometres to watch their team compete in Africa during the qualification stages. While the arrangement is far from ideal, the club sees it as the best available option as efforts continue to complete improvements at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The decision also reflects a growing challenge facing Nigerian clubs, many of which have struggled in recent years to secure CAF approval for their home grounds due to aging infrastructure and facilities that fall below international standards.
As a result, several clubs have been forced to adopt neutral venues for continental competitions, often losing the advantage of playing before their passionate home supporters.
For Rangers, maintaining momentum after winning the Nigeria Premier Football League title remains the immediate priority.
The Enugu giants secured their place in this season’s CAF Champions League after producing an outstanding domestic campaign that saw them emerge as champions of Nigeria. Their consistency throughout the league season earned praise from football analysts and supporters alike, with the club returning to the summit of Nigerian football after years of rebuilding.
The Flying Antelopes now hope to translate that domestic success onto the continental stage, where Nigerian clubs have found it increasingly difficult to compete against the financial strength and tactical sophistication of North African and Southern African teams.
Club officials are optimistic that the quality of the Remo Stars Stadium will provide the players with an ideal environment to compete at the highest level.
Located in Ikenne, the stadium has become one of the finest football facilities in Nigeria. It boasts a world-class natural grass playing surface, modern dressing rooms, quality floodlighting, media facilities and comfortable seating for supporters. The venue has consistently received positive assessments from CAF inspectors and has successfully hosted several continental matches involving Remo Stars Football Club.
Over the past few seasons, the stadium has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult grounds for visiting teams. Its excellent playing surface encourages attractive football, while the close proximity of supporters to the pitch creates an intimidating atmosphere that often gives the home side an advantage.
Although Rangers will technically be playing away from Enugu, they hope to create a similar atmosphere by encouraging supporters from across the country to attend their matches in Ikenne.
The choice of Remo Stars Stadium also highlights the remarkable transformation of football infrastructure driven by private investment in Nigeria.
Unlike many government-owned stadiums that have suffered years of neglect, the Remo Stars facility stands as an example of what modern football infrastructure can look like when properly planned and maintained.
Sports administrators have repeatedly called on state governments to prioritise the renovation of existing stadiums and invest in facilities capable of hosting international competitions.
The condition of football infrastructure has become a major concern for Nigerian football, with CAF introducing stricter licensing requirements aimed at improving standards across the continent.
Many observers believe the increasing number of Nigerian clubs adopting alternative venues should serve as a wake-up call for authorities responsible for sports infrastructure.
For Rangers, however, the focus remains firmly on football.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is expected to lead a squad blending experienced campaigners with promising young talents as the club seeks to make a deep run in the competition. Rangers have strengthened key areas of the team during the transfer window, reflecting their determination to compete strongly against Africa’s elite clubs.
The Enugu club carries a rich continental history.
Founded in 1970, Rangers International quickly established themselves as one of Nigeria’s biggest football institutions. The club famously won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, becoming one of the few Nigerian teams to lift a major CAF trophy. They also reached the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975, cementing their place among Africa’s traditional football powerhouses.
Despite those historic achievements, continental success has remained elusive in recent decades. Rangers supporters now hope this latest campaign can mark the beginning of a return to African prominence.
Playing at the modern Remo Stars Stadium could prove to be an important factor as the Flying Antelopes chase qualification for the lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions League.
The financial rewards and international exposure associated with reaching the group phase make every preliminary fixture crucial for the Nigerian champions.
Although the temporary move takes Rangers away from their beloved Cathedral in Enugu, the ambition remains unchanged.
The club is determined to represent Nigeria with pride, restore its reputation on the continental stage and remind African football why Rangers International remains one of the most respected names in the history of the game. With quality preparations, an experienced squad and a world-class temporary venue, the Flying Antelopes will hope their journey from Ikenne becomes the foundation for another memorable chapter in their illustrious history.
