As the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship kicks off in Calabar, Cross River State, Rangers Women FC head coach Favour Chinedu Aneke has sent a powerful battle cry to his players, insisting that the club is travelling with one objective, to return to Enugu with a story that will inspire a new generation of women footballers.
Despite leading one of the youngest and least experienced squads in the competition, Aneke believes discipline, courage and belief can overcome experience as Rangers begin life in the NWFL Championship.
"Tomorrow is here," the coach declared.
For Rangers Women, the championship represents more than just a fight for promotion to the NWFL Premiership.
According to Aneke, the club wants to restore Enugu's place in Nigerian women's football after years away from the spotlight.
"I hope we return to Enugu with a story that will gladden the hearts of every Rangers supporter, a story that gives hope to every girl child who dreams of playing elite football. Enugu has been lost in women's football, but it is time we found ourselves again. We can't keep waiting. Tomorrow is here."
The coach believes qualifying for the Premiership would signal the beginning of a new era for women's football in the Coal City.
'Never Say Die' Is More Than a Motto
Drawing inspiration from Rangers' rich history, Aneke described his team as soldiers preparing for battle.
He said discipline remains the club's greatest strength, echoing the famous "Never Say Die" spirit that has defined Rangers over the decades.
"Just like disciplined soldiers, we stay true to the course. We never say die. Nothing beats that."
He added that the values established by the pioneers who first wore the Rangers jersey in 1971 continue to shape the identity of today's team.
"Rangers is a force built on discipline. That's our greatest weapon, and we hope our opponents will experience it."
Rangers Women enter Group C without much knowledge of their opponents, but Aneke insists uncertainty will not become an excuse.
Instead, he sees Calabar as the perfect place to discover what his team is capable of.
"We fear the unknown because we know little about our opponents, but Calabar is the best place to find out."
The coach believes football rewards courage, not fear.
'Go to Calabar and Figure It Out'
In one of the most memorable moments of his interview, Aneke praised the confidence shown by the club's leadership.
According to him, the club's Director and Team Manager simply challenged the team to embrace whatever lies ahead.
"They told us, 'Go to Calabar and figure it out.'"
Comparing the team to elite military units, he explained that every challenge should be viewed as an opportunity to grow stronger.
"Like the Navy SEALs, every challenge is another opportunity to improve. The girls understand that."
Established only in 2025, Rangers Women arrive at the championship with virtually no experience at this level.
Aneke admitted his side may be the youngest in Group C and rated their experience at just one percent compared to many of their rivals.
Yet he quickly rejected any excuse based on youth.
"We are probably the youngest squad in Group C with no championship experience, but there are no excuses. In the military, it's either you survive or you don't. We intend to stay alive."
The Rangers coach also spoke highly of the clubs in Group C, describing each as a dangerous opponent.
He praised Unification FC, Wazbak International, and Fortress Ladies, insisting none should be underestimated.
"You don't talk about equality when you're dealing with strong teams like these. Our plan is simple, to stay alive."
His comments reflected both respect for the opposition and confidence that Rangers can compete.
Aneke's final message summed up the mentality he wants his team to carry into the championship.
"This is Rangers. Stay alive and write your own story or die on the battlefield. Your choice."
He also reassured supporters that Rangers never shy away from a challenge.
"Every Ranger knows how important it is to stay alive. We will fight, complete the mission and return home. Rangers don't run away from a fight. Never Say Die."
Rangers Women have been drawn alongside Fortress Ladies FC, Wazbak International FC, and Unification FC in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the championship.
While promotion remains a difficult target for a youthful squad, Rangers Women are determined to prove that discipline, courage and the famous "Never Say Die" spirit can overcome experience.
As Calabar hosts another chapter in Nigerian women's football, the Enugu side hopes to write a story that will restore pride to Rangers and inspire the next generation of female footballers.
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