2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 31: Rangers seek top spot as El-Kanemi test title credentials

Posted : 21 March 2026

With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season entering a defining stretch, Rangers International FC will look to sustain their title push when they host El-Kanemi Warriors in a crucial Matchday 31 clash in Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes are firmly in the hunt, sitting just one point behind league leaders Rivers United, who top the standings with 52 points, while Rangers trail closely on 51.

With seven matches left, the margin for error is razor-thin, making every fixture decisive in the race for the crown.

Rangers come into this encounter unbeaten in their last five matches, recording three wins and two draws.

Despite their impressive run, their most recent outing against Kwara United left a sour taste, as missed chances denied them maximum points and the opportunity to go top of the table.

Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has, however, maintained that his side will not be overwhelmed by the pressure of the title race, insisting the team remains focused on a game-by-game approach.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Ilechukwu said:

"There is no different message, we don't want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other — after this game, we talk about the next one."

Despite the tight race at the summit, the Rangers boss expressed confidence in his players' mentality and readiness for the challenge ahead.

"They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready."

Reflecting on the missed opportunity in their previous fixture, Ilechukwu admitted the result was a painful one for his team.

"That game was so painful to us because we knew we had all it takes to win. We prepared very well, created a lot of chances, but did not convert them."

He further emphasized how crucial that result could have been in shaping the title race.

"It could have been a big advantage for us to be top of the table right now. We had about an 80 percent chance to win that game convincingly, but football is football, that one is beyond us now."

Attention has now shifted fully to the clash against El-Kanemi Warriors, a side Ilechukwu believes must not be underestimated.

"We will start talking about the next game. El-Kanemi is a great team, but we will review the last match, identify our deficiencies, and work on them."

For El-Kanemi Warriors, who sit eighth on the table with 42 points, the fixture presents an opportunity to upset the title chase.

Though their recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five games, they remain capable of posing a serious threat.

As the season edges closer to its climax, Rangers know that anything short of victory could prove costly. Backed by their home supporters in Enugu, the Flying Antelopes will be aiming to turn dominance into goals and keep their title ambitions firmly on track.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 31: Rangers seek top spot as El-Kanemi test title credentials

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics