Rangers Crowned NPFL Champions, Edge Rivers Utd In Epic Title Chase
Enugu Rangers emerged champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Lagos on the final day of the campaign.
The Flying Antelopes held their nerve in a tense title race to finish top of the league table with 68 points, edging Rivers United by a single point to reclaim the domestic crown in thrilling fashion.
Knowing that only victory would guarantee the title regardless of results elsewhere, Rangers delivered when it mattered most at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Midfielder Chidiebere Nwobodo proved the hero for the visitors, producing a match-winning display with a first-half opener before doubling Rangers’ advantage shortly after the restart.
The visitors struck first in the 30th minute when Nwobodo found the breakthrough, silencing the home crowd and giving Rangers a precious lead heading into the interval.
Rangers returned from the break with renewed intensity and were rewarded again in the 52nd minute as Nwobodo completed his brace, placing the Enugu side firmly in control and within touching distance of the championship.
Ikorodu City, however, refused to surrender without a fight as Ali Moses pulled one back for the hosts in the 58th minute, setting up a nervy finale as Rangers faced sustained pressure from the determined Lagos side.
Despite late attacks and growing tension inside the stadium, Rangers maintained their composure and defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage and seal a famous triumph.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for Rangers, whose consistency and resilience ultimately proved decisive in one of the closest title races in recent NPFL history.
Elsewhere in Port Harcourt, Rivers United did all they could to keep their title hopes alive, defeating Katsina United 3-0 before their home supporters.
However, the result in Lagos extinguished their dreams of league glory.
Coach Finidi George’s side, who had entered the final day still in contention, finished second on 67 points — just one behind Rangers — and had to settle for a CAF Champions League qualification slot as consolation.
المصدر: Leadership (Nigeria)