Rangers International of Enugu have won the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League title following a comfortable 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo scored in either half to hand the Flying Antelopes their first league triumph since 2016. Rangers returned to the Cathedral following last week’s interrupted Oriental Derby with Enyimba, knowing a win and favourable results in Lagos and Akure where Enyimba and Remo Stars were playing respectively, could win them the title.
After a period of dominance, midfielder Kenechukwu put Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side ahead after the half-hour mark before Nwobodo rounded up the match with the game’s second goal in the 65th minute.
In Lagos, Sporting Lagos had to leave it late before beating Enyimba 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Sporting Lagos striker Junior Lokosa first missed from the spot early in the game before Godwin Odibo scored in first-half added time. After the break, Chijioke Mbaoma notched his 16th league goal from the spot to drag the champions level before Jonathan Alukwu scored in the dying embers of the game to secure an important win for the Noisy Lagosians.
In Akure, 10-man Remo Stars lost 2-1 to 10-man Sunshine Stars. Substitute Chinedu Nwosu scored either side of Ahmed Akinyele’s well-taken penalty to give the Owena Waves a fighting chance in the survival race.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars’ continental aspirations have been dashed after a late capitulation against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. Christian Pyagbara first put the Oluyole Warriors ahead but late goals from John Bassey turned the game around for the hosts as we head into the final round of matches. Sunday Megwo’s brace gave Abia Warriors a comfortable 2-0 win over Akwa United in Umuahia.
Earlier on Saturday, Lobi Stars, Katsina United, Heartland, and Rivers United won at home, while Plateau United and Kano Pillars settled for a share of the spoils.
MD 37 Results
Plateau Utd 1-1 Kano Pillars
Lobi Stars 4-3 Kwara Utd
Katsina Utd 2-0 Doma Utd
Rivers Utd 6-0 Gombe Utd
Heartland 1-0 Tornadoes
Sporting Lagos 2-1 Enyimba
Bayelsa Utd 2-1 3SC
Rangers 2-0 Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa Utd
Sunshine Stars 2-1 Remo Stars
