NPFL: Former Eagles Striker Uchebo Returns To Rangers To Bolster Title Ambition

Rangers International FC have completed the signing of former Super Eagles striker, Michael Uchebo, ahead of the resumption of the second stanza of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this weekend, Completesports.com reports.

Uchebo, 34, earned five caps for the Super Eagles and featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He also represented Nigeria at the U-20 level with the Flying Eagles.

The towering striker last played in Europe for Boavista in Portugal, a move he secured shortly after the 2014 World Cup. Before then, he starred for VVV Venlo in the Netherlands and Cercle Brugge in Belgium. He played for Rangers International from 2008 to 2009 before sojourning overseas.

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“Uchebo was initially set to sign for us in 2017 for our CAF Champions League campaign when he returned from Europe. Now, he will be part of the team as the second round of the league kicks off this weekend,” a Rangers official, who requested anonymity, told Completesports.com on Thursday.

“Everything regarding his return has been finalised,” the official added.

Uchebo’s return increases the number of high-profile Super Eagles players rejoining the NPFL after spells in Europe. Others include Ahmed Musa, a former Super Eagles captain who also played for VVV Venlo and is now with Kano Pillars, alongside Shehu Abdullahi. Additionally, Brown Ideye has returned to feature for Enyimba International of Aba.

The experienced forward is expected to add depth and leadership to the Flying Antelopes as they push for a top-three finish and a return to continental club competitions next season.

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Completesports.com also learned that Uchebo is not the only reinforcement at the Coal City side. Rangers have secured the services of Ejike Uzoechi and Patrick Egeonu from Sporting Lagos, as Manager Fidelis Ilechukwu strengthens his squad for the second half of the season.

Rangers, currently fourth in the NPFL table with 31 points, will host Niger Tornadoes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, 26 January 2025, in their opening match of the second stanza.

By Sab Osuji