Rangers International will temporarily move their home games to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta as they begin their campaign to retain the Nigeria Premier Football League title.
The Flying Antelopes are scheduled to host Katsina United at the Ogun State venue on Sunday in their opening league fixture.
The Enugu club’s decision comes as renovation work continues at their usual stadium. Playing in Abeokuta will also help the team get familiar with the playing surface before their CAF Champions League preliminary-round encounter with AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in September.
Rangers will share the venue with Shooting Stars, who have also picked the Abeokuta arena for their CAF inter-club matches.
The champions had previously planned to use Remo Stars’ stadium in Ikenne for their continental home fixtures. However, after consultations with head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his technical team, the club settled for the MKO Abiola Sports Arena instead.
Rangers’ choice of Abeokuta gives the team an opportunity to maintain some consistency while work continues on their Enugu stadium. The club will be hoping the temporary arrangement does not affect their preparations as they attempt to build on their success from last season.
The Flying Antelopes will also be looking to make a strong start to the new league campaign. Their opening fixture against Katsina United will provide an early test of their ability to handle the pressure that comes with being defending champions.
Rangers claimed their ninth NPFL title in May after a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Lagos on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.
That triumph capped a successful season for the Enugu side and secured their return to continental competition. With the new season now underway, the club will have to balance its domestic responsibilities with preparations for its Champions League assignment.
Their next major challenge will come in September when they begin their Champions League qualifying journey, with a place in the group stage at stake.
The preliminary round will be particularly important for Rangers, as progressing through the early stages would give the Nigerian champions a chance to compete against some of Africa’s leading clubs.
For head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players, the immediate focus will be on settling into their temporary base and starting the title defence on a positive note.
The club will also hope to benefit from playing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena before their continental fixtures. Familiarity with the pitch could prove useful when Rangers return to the venue for their Champions League home matches.
As the season progresses, Rangers will be expected to compete strongly on both fronts. The Enugu outfit will be aiming to retain its domestic crown while also pushing through the Champions League qualifying rounds and securing a place in the group stage.
