Founded in 1970 soon after the Nigerian civil war, ‘The Flying Antelopes’ have been one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs of the 70s.
They are based in the south-eastern city of Enugu and owned, like most top clubs in Nigeria, by the state government.
The highlight of their dominance in the 70s and early 80s was winning the now defunct Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977, a year after arch-rivals Shooting Stars achieved this feat.
At the height of their powers, they won the NPL five times and the cup five times, but their last such triumph was in 1984.
They also provided the bulk of players to the then Green Eagles, like giant goalkeeper Emma Okala, skipper Christian Chukwu, Aloysius Atuegbu and Ifeanyi Onyedika.
Other former stars include Michael Emenalo, now at Chelsea of England, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Onyekachi Apam, Edward Ofere and Joseph Enakarhire.
The new generation of players under the tutelage of experienced coach Alphonsus Dike are goalkeeper Ebele Obi, Joseph Okwuosa, Brendan Ogbu, Uche Nwofor and Ifeanyi Egwim.
Over the years they are known for their robust style of football and their never-say-die spirit.
However despite their enduring popularity across the country, they remain dependent on the Enugu State government for their funding and this has often meant they suffer from cash crunch when money is not forthcoming from government
Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers is challenged by Ugwu Uwadiegwu of Enyimba
Ighodalo Osagona of Rangers is challenged by Semiu Liadi of Enyimba during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Ayo Saka of Enyimba is challenged by Pape Ousmane Sane and Ugonna Uzochukwu of Rangers during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Emeka Eze in action for Rangers
Pape Ousmane Sane of Rangers challenges Sibi Gwar of Enyimba during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Skipper Chinedu Udoji of Enyimba (middle)
Ugonna Uzochukwu of Rangers in aerial challenge with Rasheed Olabiyi of Enyimba during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Ugwu Uwadiegwu of Enyimba challenges Chinedu Sunday of Rangers during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Ugonna Uzochukwu of Rangers in aerial challenge with Ayo Saka of Enyimba
Mathew Etim of Rangers tackles Andrew Abalogu of Enyimba during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Enyimba and Rangers on March 16, 2014 at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Abia state
Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers is challenged by Ebenezer Odunlanmi of Sunshine Stars during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Rangers and Sunshine Stars on April 6, 2014 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu state
Chisom Egbuchulam of Rangers
Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Ikenna Paul of Sunshine Stars in aerial challenge with Razaq Adegbite of Rangers during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Rangers and Sunshine Stars on April 6, 2014 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu state
Razaq Adegbite of Rangers is tackled by Ikenna Paul of Sunshine Stars during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Rangers and Sunshine Stars on April 6, 2014 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu state
Seun Olulayo
Ikenna Paul of Sunshine Stars tackles Razaq Adegbite of Rangers during the Glo Nigeria Premier League 2014 match between Rangers and Sunshine Stars on April 6, 2014 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu state
Kingsley Eduwo scored a treble against Rangers on Wednesday
Obinna Nwobodo (left) of Rangers
Kingsley Eduwo (right) heads for goal
Alhassan Yusuf of Gombe United challenges Meshack Chibuikem and Dada Bitrus of Rangers during the 2013 Nigeria Professional Football League Match between Rangers and Gombe United on August 18, 2013 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu ©Norbert Okolie/Backpage