By Amaechi Agbo

Former Rangers International FC of Enugu Coach, Abdul Maikaba has disclosed that the seven-time Nigeria Premier League, NPL champions are the only club he worked with in the country without being owed his salary and other entitlements

The 58-year-old disclosed this to the management and players of the club during his valedictory session on Thursday at Rangers Camp in Enugu

Maikaba who led the team to the final of the 2023 Federation Cup where they lost to Bendel Insurance in Asaba, appreciated the players, coaching crew and management for their support stating that he would not renew his contract with the Flying Antelopes

“I have worked in other clubs in Nigeria, but can say it boldly that Rangers is the only team that I ended with, without owing me anything”.

He further thanked the people of Enugu and Rangers family for the opportunity given to him to serve.

It could be recalled that Coach Abdu Maikaba signed a two years contract with Rangers and it terminated at the end of the season.

For him, he will not like to renew his contract, because his family needs him. “since the past 10 years, I have not stayed with my family for months. The children are growing and needs my attention. Even if I am going to take Cñcontract elsewhere, it must be close to my place”.

Earlier during the brief meeting at the Rangers Camp, the Club Administrative Secretary, Barr. Emeka Ferdinand Ugwuerua thanked God that no life was lost except minor injuries sustained in the cause of executing the excruciating football campaign in the calendar

“We should be thankful to God as well because the club ended her season the day the season ended. While some other clubs ended their season some weeks ago”.

He thereafter directed the players and coaching staff to proceed for a three-week break adding that the club would contact those whose contracts with have expired for renegotiation if their services with the club are still needed.

“As a result, 3 weeks break is given and camp closed. It is time for you to go home and see your family. For those whose contract is still existing, both players, coaches and backroom staff, the Camp will reopen from 13th to 15th July and training starts on 16th July, 2023.

“Those whose contracts expired, it’s a goodbye to you pending when the management and Enugu State Government reviews your performance and decide to bring you back, we may need to renegotiate”

Rangers narrowly avoided relegation in the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL abridged season after they ended eighth on Group B log with 21 points from 18 matches.

The club which played all their home matches in Awka, Anambra State following the protracted renovation work at their home Ground. Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, won only four matches, drew 9 and lost five.

Abdul Maikaba’s two-year stewardship with the club failed to pick a continental ticket after they ended the 2021/2022 season fiveth and 2023 season eighth.

Rangers are in the market for a new gaffer with Plateau United Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu penciled to takeover the reigns of affairs in the 2018 Federation Cup winners’ dugout