Rangers International clinched the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title after edging Ikorodu City 2-1 on the final day of the season, winning in Lagos on Sunday.
Entering the decisive match on top of the table, the Flying Antelopes knew they had to collect maximum points to secure the championship. Their task was made no easier by the fact that the closest challengers, Rivers United, were also in action, looking to beat Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
Quick facts
- Rangers International won the 2025/26 NPFL title with a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City.
- The title was decided on the final day in Lagos.
- Rivers United also played on the same day against Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
- Chidiebere Nwobodo scored for Rangers in the 30th minute and added a second shortly after the restart.
- Moses Ali scored as Ikorodu City pulled one back late on.
- Rivers United beat Katsina United 3-0, but Rangers still finished top.
- The win matched Rangers to Enyimba’s record of nine top-flight league titles.
- Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side earned a second league crown in three seasons.
- Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season.
- Shooting Stars booked a CAF Confederation Cup place by finishing third, despite losing to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
- Remo Stars were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after a 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance in Benin.
- Elkanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists joined Remo Stars in the NNL next term.
Both teams were forced to plan without several key contributors because of recent national team call-ups connected to the Unity Cup. Ikorodu City were without Aderemi Adeoye, Tosin Oyedokun and Michael Atata, while Rangers had Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa unavailable.
Title decider in Lagos
Rangers started the match with a cautious approach, and the early stages produced few genuine openings. The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when captain Chidiebere Nwobodo punished a defensive mistake, pushing into the area and finishing with precision beyond the goalkeeper.
With the lead in place, the Enugu outfit (Rangers) kept their shape and focus as Ikorodu City pressed for a response. Not long after the restart, Rangers made it 2-0 when Ikorodu’s keeper, Derrik Julu, saved a shot but could only parry it into Nwobodo’s path, and the forward reacted quickest to complete his brace.
Ikorodu City did not wait long to respond. A substitute, Moses Ali, reduced the gap almost immediately, setting up a tense end to the contest. Even with sustained pressure in the closing stages, Rangers held their nerve to protect the advantage and secure the result that mattered most.
Rivals’ result confirms the crown
Despite the title being at stake, the wider picture still carried tension. Rivers United delivered a convincing 3-0 win over Katsina United in Port Harcourt, yet Rangers’ triumph in Lagos ensured they finished first and reclaimed the NPFL championship.
The achievement takes Rangers level with Enyimba’s record of nine top-flight league titles, reinforcing their position among Nigeria’s most decorated clubs. It also represents a second league title in three seasons for Fidelis Ilechukwu and his team.
In continental qualification, Rangers and Rivers United will both represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League. Shooting Stars also earned a CAF Confederation Cup slot by finishing third, even though they were beaten by Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
Relegation shake-up
There was also major movement elsewhere, with Remo Stars suffering relegation from the top flight. After a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin, the winners of the 2024/25 season were sent down to the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Remo Stars join Elkanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists to complete the four teams scheduled to compete in the NNL next season.
