Rangers International Football Club of Enugu clinched a record-setting ninth Nigeria Premier Football League crown as they edged Ikorodu City 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on the final day of the 2025/2026 campaign.
Key takeaways
- Rangers secured their ninth NPFL title by beating Ikorodu City 2-1 in Lagos.
- Chidiebere Nwobodo scored both Rangers goals, with one strike in the first half and another early in the second.
- Ikorodu City pulled one back through Moses Ali in the 58th minute, but Rangers held on.
- Rivers United finished runners-up on 67 points after defeating Katsina United 3-0.
- Remo Stars, El Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists were relegated on the last day.
Rangers’ title-winning performance
Rangers ended the season on 68 points, capturing the championship with a one-point edge over Rivers United. The decisive goals came from Chidiebere Nwobodo, who opened the scoring in the 30th minute before adding his second ten minutes after the restart.
Moses Ali reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute, setting up a tense finish. However, Rangers managed the game from there to ensure the trophy was secured by a narrow margin in the standings.
With the title still within reach on the final round, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team made it happen by delivering the win they needed to confirm the championship.
Rivers United second and the relegation shake-up
Rivers United secured second place on 67 points following a 3-0 victory over Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Mbaoma scored twice, while Aniekeme Okon added the third, though the emphatic win still could not close the gap to Rangers.
Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah quickly offered congratulations, describing Rangers’ success as a historic moment and the second league title the club has won during his period in office.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I convey our profound congratulations on your well-deserved and hard-fought ninth league title,” Mbah said. “You have restored the glory of Enugu as the incubator and hub of champions and walked the path of our revered legends.”
Mbah also noted that the triumph reflects his administration’s backing of sport, particularly with Enugu set to host the 27th National Sports Festival in November.
Elsewhere in the league on the last day, there were major consequences in the relegation battle. Reigning champions Remo Stars, along with El Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists, were all relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
