Rangers International of Enugu are champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League after a tense 2-1 win over Ikorodu City on Sunday evening at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
The Flying Antelopes entered Matchday 38 knowing only a win would guarantee the title. They delivered under pressure, with Chidiebere Nwobodo opening the scoring in the 30th minute after a purposeful start from the Enugu side. Rangers controlled the first half and went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ikorodu City came out fighting in the second half, but Rangers struck again in the 52nd minute. Nwobodo completed his brace to put the Coal City side 2-0 up and on the brink of the crown. The home side responded quickly, with Moses Bada pulling one back in the 58th minute to set up a nervy finish.
The final 30 minutes turned into an end-to-end contest as both teams pushed for another goal. Rangers held firm defensively, and the 2-1 scoreline stood at full time, sparking celebrations among the traveling Enugu supporters.
The result took Rangers to 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United who finished second on 67. With the win, Rangers claim their ninth league title, moving level with Enyimba International as the most successful club in NPFL history.
Both Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Shooting Stars of Ibadan also secured continental football as a result of Rangers’ victory. The Oluyole Warriors will take Nigeria’s CAF Confederation Cup slot, benefiting from the league champions’ qualification for Africa’s top competition.
