Rangers International defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title and equal the all-time league record of nine championships held by Enyimba.
The Flying Antelopes sealed the title at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, one point ahead of Rivers United.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side started strongly and took the lead in the 30th minute through captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, who finished off a fine team move to put the visitors ahead.
Rangers extended their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Nwobodo grabbed his second goal of the game to give the Enugu club control of the title-deciding encounter.
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Ikorodu City, who were also battling for a continental ticket, responded in the 58th minute through substitute Moses Ali after Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh failed to properly deal with a long-range effort.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Rangers held firm to secure the victory and confirm their status as league champions.
The result completed another successful campaign for coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who guided the club to a second NPFL title during his time with the Enugu side.
Rivers United finished second after recording a 3-0 win over Katsina United, but the victory was not enough to overtake Rangers at the top of the table.
With the title triumph, Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.
