By Frankie Omokhua, Enugu
Fresh controversy may erupt ahead of the highly-anticipated President Federation Cup showdown between Rangers International and Rivers United, with the Flying Antelopes eyeing a boycott of the competition over venue concerns.
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The blockbuster encounter, initially scheduled to take place in Owerri, was earlier moved by organisers following concerns surrounding the close proximity between Enugu and the Imo State capital.
However, despite the relocation of the fixture to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, fresh tension has continued to trail the game as Rangers are said to be dissatisfied with the new venue arrangement.
Reliable but unconfirmed reports reaching Sportsday on Tuesday revealed that Rangers management has formally demanded another change of venue, insisting that the match be played on a truly neutral ground to guarantee fairness and eliminate every form of perceived advantage.
According to a source who spoke anonymously, the Enugu-based side believes that Uyo’s closeness to Port Harcourt could hand Rivers United an undue advantage in terms of fan support, logistics and familiarity.
As a result, the reigning NPFL champions have reportedly proposed alternative venues including Abuja and Jos for the crucial fixture.
The development has now thrown the Federation Cup fixture into uncertainty, with Rangers allegedly warning that they could pull out of the competition if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) fails to address their concerns.
Should such a dramatic decision happen, it could trigger one of the biggest controversies in recent Nigerian football history, especially considering the fierce rivalry and growing tension surrounding the encounter.
The President Federation Cup clash between Rangers and Rivers United is scheduled for June 1, 2026, but with the latest developments, uncertainty now surrounds where and possibly whether the explosive fixture will eventually take place.
