Enugu Rangers have opted to stage their home matches in the preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, instead of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with financial considerations, fan engagement and matchday atmosphere influencing the decision.
Sports247 reliably gathered from a top club source that the Flying Antelopes assessed a number of CAF-approved venues before settling on the home ground of reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars.
According to the source, the cost of hiring the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was considerably higher than the package offered by Remo Stars, making Ikenne the more financially viable option.
“The cost of using the Godswill Akpabio Stadium was one of the considerations. Remo Stars presented Rangers with a much better commercial deal, and that played a huge role in the final decision,” the source told Sports247.
Beyond the financial benefits, Rangers were also concerned about generating the kind of intimidating home atmosphere required for continental football. Club officials reportedly feared that playing in Uyo could result in low attendance due to fan apathy, depriving the team of the vocal support that often makes the difference in CAF competitions.
“Another issue was the level of fan turnout in Uyo. There were concerns that the stadium might not attract the numbers needed to create a genuine home advantage.”
“Rangers wanted an energetic atmosphere, not a sparsely populated stadium for such important matches,” the source added.
Another factor that worked in Ikenne’s favour was its accessibility for Rangers’ large fan base in Lagos and neighbouring South-West states.
Club officials believe many supporters can conveniently travel by road to Ikenne, unlike the longer and more expensive trip to Uyo.”
Remo Stars’ management also assured Rangers of a vibrant matchday experience.
The NPFL champions reportedly pledged to mobilise their supporters and the local football community to create the lively atmosphere for which the Remo Stars Stadium has become renowned.
“Remo Stars assured Rangers there would be a true matchday experience. They promised to mobilise their supporters and football fans in Ikenne to ensure the stadium is packed and lively, giving Rangers the backing expected in a CAF Champions League fixture,” the source revealed.
The decision also allows Rangers to continue awaiting the completion of renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, popularly known as The Cathedral, before making a return to their traditional home ground.
CAF has scheduled the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League for September 4–6, with the return legs fixed for September 11–13. The second preliminary round will be played between October 16–18 and October 23–25.
The Flying Antelopes will now hope their temporary base in Ikenne provides the ideal platform to negotiate the preliminary rounds successfully and secure a place in the lucrative group stage before returning to a fully renovated Cathedral in Enugu.
