Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu are NPFL champions for eighth time

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Rangers International FC of Enugu have been confirmed champions of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Flying Antelopes comprehensively defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0 on Sunday to claim their eighth league title, with a game to spare.

Agu Kenechukwu and Chidiebere Nwobodo scored both goals that sealed the win against Insurance, ensuring the title as well.

ALSO READ:

• NPFL champions Enyimba seal partnership deal with Norwegian top club HamKam FC
• NPFL matchday 7: Enyimba, Rangers win; Remo lose in Benin
• Enyimba shines, wins NPFL title for a record ninth time
• Record breaker Lamine Yamal meets the Euros
• Riccardo Calafiori: Italy’s aura defender on everyone’s list
• Albart: Meet the official mascot of Euro 2024

In the 33rd minute, Agu shot the home side into the lead before Nwobodo added another on the hour mark.

Heading into the matchday 37, Rangers led the table with 64 points, four points ahead of Ikenne-based side Remo Stars.

It was celebration after celebration at the ‘Cathedral’ when it was learnt Remo lost 2-1 at Sunshine Stars on Sunday. In the same vein, rivals and last year’s winners Enyimba lost 2-1 to Sporting Lagos.

Rangers last won the title in 2016 when they were under the guidance of Coach Imama Amapakabo. They had won league titles in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, and 1984.

Being one of Nigerian football’s powerhouses, only Enyimba (nine) have won more league titles than Rangers.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and CEO Amobi Ezeaku both deserve commendation for bringing back Rangers’ lost glory.

Rangers had experienced a turbulent time last season where they battled to avoid relegation. The renovation of ‘the Cathedral’ as well as injuries to key players in the team bitterly affected the Flying Antelopes.

However, a big reshuffle in the board and signing of fresh blood quickly turned the tide. Ilechukwu’s brilliance and contributions also caused the sleeping giants’ return to hay days.