Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has always loved football. People around him call him the “African Pillar of Sports” because of how much he has given to the game.
The clearest example is what he did with Enyimba International FC in Aba. When he was governor of Abia State, he put money and attention into the club. He did not just fund them. He built structure, backed the players, and pushed them to believe they could compete with anyone.
Under his support, Enyimba became the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League, and they did it back to back in 2003 and 2004. That run changed how Nigerians saw our local clubs.
Kalu also changed how players were treated at home. Before then, many boys in the Nigerian league struggled with pay and respect. He raised signing fees and even gave brand-new cars to Enyimba players. That move did two things: it raised their status, and it showed young talents that they could stay in Nigeria and still build a good life from football.
His passion does not stop at Aba. He has spoken openly about wanting to buy a 35% stake in Arsenal. He says his experience turning Enyimba into a continental force proves he can help a big club like Arsenal get back to winning trophies. Whether that happens or not, the fact that a Nigerian is even thinking that big tells you how far his vision reaches.
He also uses his voice for the national teams. When the Super Eagles or Super Falcons play, he talks about more than scores. He pushes for better structure and real investment so football stops depending only on government money and starts running like a proper business.
Just recently he sent a message to Enugu Rangers after they won the Nigeria Premier Football League. He congratulated Governor Peter Mbah, the management, the coaches, the players, and the fans. He said their win showed what hard work, discipline, and good leadership can do. He called Rangers one of Nigeria’s historic clubs and said they have shown again that Nigerian football can reach the top if we do things right.
Then he gave them a challenge. He told Rangers to look at what Enyimba did in 2003 and 2004 and aim for Africa next. He reminded them that Nigerian clubs used to rule the continent, and they can do it again. He spoke from experience because under his watch in Abia, Enyimba won the Nigerian league six times in eight years, lifted the CAF Champions League, won the CAF Super Cup, and also took the FA Cup. Those wins proved that our clubs can beat the best teams in Africa.
He ended by saying he believes Rangers have the talent, the history, and the support to carry Nigeria’s flag in continental competitions. He told them congratulations, but also told them the real work starts now. Winning the league is good, but bringing the CAF Champions League trophy back to Nigeria would mean even more. His final words were simple: keep the flag flying.
Rubby Obinna
June 14, 2026.