MTNFootball

Founded in 1970 soon after the Nigerian civil war, ‘The Flying Antelopes’ have been one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs of the 70s.

They are based in the south-eastern city of Enugu and owned, like most top clubs in Nigeria, by the state government.

The highlight of their dominance in the 70s and early 80s was winning the now defunct Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977, a year after arch-rivals Shooting Stars achieved this feat.

At the height of their powers, they won the NPL five times and the cup five times, but their last such triumph was in 1984.

They also provided the bulk of players to the then Green Eagles, like giant goalkeeper Emma Okala, skipper Christian Chukwu, Aloysius Atuegbu and Ifeanyi Onyedika.

Other former stars include Michael Emenalo, now at Chelsea of England, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Onyekachi Apam, Edward Ofere and Joseph Enakarhire.

The new generation of players under the tutelage of experienced coach Alphonsus Dike are goalkeeper Ebele Obi, Joseph Okwuosa, Brendan Ogbu, Uche Nwofor and Ifeanyi Egwim.

Over the years they are known for their robust style of football and their never-say-die spirit.

However despite their enduring popularity across the country, they remain dependent on the Enugu State government for their funding and this has often meant they suffer from cash crunch when money is not forthcoming from government