Enugu Rangers are champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League. The Flying Antelopes defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 on the final day at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos to claim their ninth league title.
Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scored both goals for Rangers. He opened the scoring in the 30th minute. He completed his brace in the 52nd minute, placing Rangers firmly in control and within touching distance of the NPFL trophy.
Moses Ali pulled one back for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute, but Rangers held on tenaciously to secure the result that sealed the championship.
Rangers finished the season with 68 points from 38 matches. Rivers United finished second with 67 points after their 3-0 home victory over Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
The victory equals the all-time record of nine NPFL championships held by their Oriental rivals, Enyimba of Aba. Rangers have now cemented their status as one of the most successful institutions in Nigerian football.
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Title race goes down to the wire
Rangers entered the final day with a one-point lead over Rivers United. The Flying Antelopes needed victory to secure the crown, regardless of their rivals’ result.
Under immense pressure, Rangers delivered when it mattered most. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s calm approach paid off perfectly. He intentionally shielded his players from mounting pressure in the build-up to the decisive fixture, resulting in a highly disciplined and emotionally controlled display in Lagos.
Rivers United did their part with a 3-0 demolition of Katsina United in Port Harcourt. But their emphatic win was rendered irrelevant by Rangers’ victory in Lagos.
Rangers will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season alongside Rivers United. Their continental campaign begins in the preliminary rounds.
The Flying Antelopes will also face Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors in the Nigerian Super Cup before the new NPFL season commences. The ninth title is theirs. The hunt for a 10th has already begun.
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