Rangers International claimed the 2026 NPFL Invitational Pre-season Tournament crown by defeating Plateau United 1-0 in the final at New Jos Stadium yesterday.
Final action
- Justice Akugre produced the match-winning moment in the 28th minute, rising to head Rangers in front.
- The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions withstood a forceful second-half challenge from the home side, with Plateau United unable to find a leveller as Rangers secured the trophy.
The Enugu club therefore ended the six-team event with a victory, completing its preparations for the approaching domestic campaign on a positive note.
Mighty Jets had earlier taken third position by defeating Katsina United 1-0 in the playoff at New Jos Stadium. Tochukwu Ibedu settled that contest with a 39th-minute strike.
Tournament context
The competition got under way on August 19 and brought together Rangers International, Rivers United, Plateau United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Mighty Jets and Katsina United.
Alongside serving as a build-up for the next NPFL season, the tournament was also intended to give Nigerian clubs targeting continental competition the chance to gain competitive sharpness. Rangers, Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors are set to represent Nigeria in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.
Rangers’ success offers an additional lift before the Enugu side begins its defence of the NPFL title and embarks on its CAF Champions League campaign.
