Rangers International of Enugu have emerged as the champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes, who were top of the log going into the final day, needed a win at Ikorodu City to secure the title at the expense of Rivers United, who were expected to beat Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
Following Eric Chelle’s invitation to some NPFL stars for the Unity Cup, Ikorodu City were without key players like Aderemi Adeoye, Tosin Oyedokun, and Michael Atata, while Rangers also missed the duo of Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa.
The match was quite cagey in the opening exchanges, as Rangers relied on throw-ins to create chances. Rangers skipper Chidiebere Nwobodo profited from a poor clearance from an Ikorodu City defender before driving into the box and firing past the goalkeeper for the opening goal at the half-hour mark.
From that moment on, the visitors continued to stay resolute at the back, as Ikorodu City kept looking for a way back into the contest. After the interval, Rangers doubled their lead. Ikorodu City goalkeeper Derrik Julu punched a shot into the path of Nwobodo to finish for his second goal of the contest. However, the home side pulled one back through substitute Moses Ali moments later.
Despite a late foray of attacks from Ikorodu City. Rangers held on for the win. Although Rivers United clinched a 3-0 win against Katsina United in the other game, the Flying Antelopes’ win in Lagos meant they lost the title to the Enugu side. Rangers also equalled the record for the most titles in the top-flight – Enyimba (9). In addition, it is a second league title in three seasons for coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and the Enugu side.
Meanwhile, Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season, while Shooting Stars also secured third spot to clinch the CAF Confederation Cup ticket despite the loss to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
