2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26 Review: Clinical Rangers Tighten Grip on Title Race with Victory over Wikki

Posted : 16 February 2026

Rangers International FC delivered a composed and commanding performance on Sunday, defeating Wikki Tourists FC 2-0 at the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to strengthen their push for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League title.

In a fixture that carried significant weight in the title race, the Flying Antelopes did all the damage in a blistering first-half display that left the Bauchi Elephants chasing shadows.

Rangers signalled their intent early, dominating possession and pressing high. Their breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute when midfield maestro Wisdom Ebirim, donning the number eight jersey, calmly slotted home to ignite celebrations inside the Cathedral.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through experienced striker Godwin Obaje. The forward showed his predatory instincts inside the box, finishing clinically to put daylight between both sides before the interval.

Despite trailing by two goals, Wikki Tourists refused to capitulate. The visitors returned for the second half with renewed urgency, increasing their tempo and forcing Rangers into a more conservative shape.

Their improved ball circulation and attacking thrust, however, lacked the cutting edge required to trouble the scoreboard.

Rangers’ defensive unit stood firm under pressure, absorbing waves of attacks while managing the game with maturity to see out the contest.

Speaking after the match, Wikki’s head coach Bashir Sale admitted his side’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly.

“We came to win. Our problem is scoring, but we had ball control,” Sale said, expressing confidence that his team would bounce back in subsequent fixtures.

On the other hand, Rangers’ Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, while satisfied with the result, maintained that his side could have extended the margin.

“We wanted more goals. It did not go the way we wanted it,” he noted, before boldly affirming their championship ambition. “It is possible for us to take the league title.”

The victory lifts Rangers to 43 points and second place on the table, intensifying the pressure at the summit as the season enters its decisive stretch. With performances like this, the Enugu side are not just chasing the title—they are making a resounding statement.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26 Review: Clinical Rangers Tighten Grip on Title Race with Victory over Wikki

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