A former Rangers International Football Club player and one of the pioneers of the legendary Enugu club, Dominic Nwobodo, popularly known as “Alhaji Nwobodo”, is dead.
Nwobodo reportedly died at about 7pm on Friday, August 14.
His death was announced by the Ex-Rangers International Footballers Cooperative, of which he was a founding member.
The cooperative described Nwobodo as a remarkable footballer, national player and coach who made significant contributions to the growth and development of Rangers.
“He was not only a dreaded attacker but also a remarkable national player in the 70s, who served the game with dedication, both as a player and as a coach,” the cooperative said in a statement signed by its secretary.
The group said his death had left a huge void in the Rangers family, describing him as a respected figure whose contributions helped shape the history of the club.
It extended its condolences to his family, friends and the entire Rangers fraternity, praying God to give them the strength to bear the loss.
Nwobodo was among the early players who helped establish Rangers shortly after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
A civil war veteran, he was part of the group of former soldiers and war veterans who formed the backbone of the club and helped turn Rangers into a symbol of post-war recovery, unity and resilience in the South-East.
He was a pioneering defender and captain of the club and was known for his speed, physical strength and fearless approach to the game.
His famous nickname, “Alhaji”, was reportedly given to him by legendary radio commentator Ernest Okonkwo after Nwobodo sustained a serious head injury during a match against a military side.
Despite the injury, he reportedly refused to leave the pitch after medics stitched his wound and wrapped his head in a thick bandage resembling a Muslim turban.
Okonkwo subsequently began referring to him as “Alhaji”, a name that remained with him throughout his life.
Nwobodo later served Rangers as a coach and remained an influential elder in the club’s football family.
He was also one of the founding fathers of the Ex-Rangers International Footballers Cooperative.
The cooperative prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and said details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.
(The Sun)