Manny Ita
Enugu Rangers International FC has signed a strategic apparel and rebranding partnership with Nigerian fashion house Nzapi, in a move aimed at blending the club’s sporting heritage with contemporary fashion and strengthening its commercial outlook. The agreement was signed on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the club’s corporate headquarters in Enugu.
Under the terms of the deal, Nzapi has been granted the rights to rebrand and produce the club’s lifestyle and casual apparel, marking a departure from conventional technical kit arrangements that focus primarily on matchday jerseys. The partnership covers the design and manufacture of items including T-shirts, face caps, hoodies, and other sportswear bearing the Rangers insignia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the club’s General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, said the initiative was designed to serve both younger supporters and long-standing followers of the club. He explained that the new range aims to deliver “high-street” aesthetics that younger fans would wear in everyday social settings, while also respecting the legacy of older supporters who regard the club as a symbol of cultural resilience. Enugu Rangers, popularly known as the “Flying Antelopes,” was founded in 1970.
The partnership forms part of Enugu Rangers’ 2026 strategic masterplan focused on professionalising its commercial operations. Club officials said the move is intended to generate new revenue streams through high-quality merchandise sold directly to consumers, reducing the club’s dependence on government funding.
The Creative Lead of Nzapi, Odinaka Ugwuozor, said the objective is to build a strong and globally recognizable identity for the club. He stated that the Rangers brand is being positioned to achieve a level of lifestyle appeal comparable to European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Venezia FC.
Founded in the immediate aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, Enugu Rangers has long been regarded as more than a football club, particularly within the Igbo cultural landscape. Club officials said the new apparel line will incorporate storytelling elements that reflect the team’s history of pride, unity, and excellence.
Ezeaku described the rebranding initiative as an emotional as well as commercial undertaking, noting during the ceremony that the new merchandise “will not just be worn; it will be felt,” underscoring the enduring bond between the club and its supporters.
