Enugu Rangers win ninth NPFL title with final day victory

Enugu Rangers have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League for the ninth time after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Lagos on the final day of the season. The win secured the title for the Flying Antelopes by a single point, capping one of the most tightly contested title races in recent years.

Rangers entered the decisive fixture knowing only a win would guarantee the championship, with challengers Rivers United playing simultaneously in Port Harcourt. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo delivered a commanding performance, scoring in the 30th minute to settle early nerves before doubling the lead in the 52nd minute with a quick reaction to a rebound. Ikorodu City pulled a goal back through Moses Ali in the 58th minute, but Rangers showed defensive discipline to hold on for the victory.

The result rendered Rivers United’s 3-0 win over Katsina United irrelevant, as the Port Harcourt side finished second on 67 points, one behind Rangers. Both clubs will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League. Shooting Stars secured the final continental slot by finishing third, earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.