Rangers International have reached an agreement with Remo Stars FC to stage their CAF Champions League preliminary round home matches at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne pending the completion of renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, in Enugu, Sportblits.com reports.
The decision was approved by the Rangers hierarchy as the seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions seek a suitable CAF-approved venue for their opening continental fixtures.
With renovation work at their traditional home ground yet to be completed, the Flying Antelopes opted for the modern Remo Stars Stadium, one of the few privately-owned stadiums in Nigeria that meets the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements for inter-club competitions.
Remo Stars Stadium continues to establish itself as a premier CAF venue
The agreement means the Remo Stars Stadium will once again welcome continental football, further strengthening its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest football venues.
Located in Ikenne, Ogun State, the stadium has become a benchmark for football infrastructure in Nigeria thanks to its excellent playing surface, modern dressing rooms, quality floodlights and well-maintained facilities.
The venue has previously hosted CAF inter-club matches involving Remo Stars and has consistently received positive assessments from CAF officials due to its compliance with international standards.
For Rangers, choosing the Ikenne-based stadium provides the club with a reliable and familiar environment capable of accommodating the demands of continental football while offering players the best possible conditions to compete.
Rangers determined to reach the CAF Champions League group stage
Having earned another opportunity to represent Nigeria on the continental stage, Rangers International will be aiming to negotiate the preliminary rounds and secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Reaching the group phase would represent a major sporting and financial achievement for the Enugu club.
Qualification guarantees increased prize money, greater continental exposure and the opportunity to compete against Africa’s elite clubs, while also enhancing the profile of both the club and the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Club officials believe securing a suitable home venue early allows the technical crew and players to concentrate fully on preparations ahead of their crucial qualifying fixtures.
Why Rangers chose Remo Stars Stadium
The Remo Stars Stadium has become one of the country’s benchmark football venues thanks to its excellent infrastructure and CAF-compliant standards.
The stadium offers:
- A high-quality natural grass playing surface.
- Modern dressing rooms and media facilities.
- Improved spectator experience.
- CAF-approved infrastructure for continental competitions.
- Proven experience hosting high-profile domestic and international fixtures.
The venue has become synonymous with Nigerian clubs seeking a reliable home ground for CAF competitions while their regular stadiums undergo renovations or upgrades.
The Cathedral renovation continues
Rangers remain committed to returning to their historic home, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, once renovation works are completed.
Popularly known as The Cathedral, the stadium has hosted some of the biggest matches in Nigerian football history and remains one of the country’s most iconic football venues.
Club officials are optimistic that the improvements will allow Rangers to return to Enugu for future continental and domestic fixtures.
What this means for Nigerian football
The agreement between Rangers International and Remo Stars highlights the growing collaboration between Nigerian clubs in ensuring the country’s representatives compete under the best possible conditions in CAF competitions.
It also reinforces the reputation of the Remo Stars Stadium as one of Nigeria’s leading football venues capable of hosting elite continental matches.
As Rangers begin another African campaign, their immediate objective will be to overcome the preliminary rounds and book a place in the CAF Champions League group stage, where they can compete against the continent’s biggest clubs.
