Enugu Rangers Clinch Historic Ninth NPFL Title With Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Ikorodu City

Posted : 25 May 2026

Enugu Rangers were crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday afternoon following a thrilling 2-1 final-day victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos. The Flying Antelopes entered Matchday 38 knowing only a win would guarantee the title. The vital three points allowed the Enugu-based side to secure their ninth domestic championship, equaling the all-time league record held by Enyimba.

The visitors established control early at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena to ease the tension among their travelling supporters. Club captain Chidiebere Nwobodo broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a clinical finish to reward his team's early dominance. The resilient Ikorodu City defense fought back strongly, but Rangers maintained their narrow one-goal advantage into the halftime interval.

The regional giants doubled their lead just seven minutes into the second half. Nwobodo struck again from close range after the home goalkeeper spilled a powerful, long-range effort directly into his path. The contest took a dramatic turn in the 58th minute when Ikorodu City forward Moses Ali capitalised on a handling error by Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh to make it 2-1.

The home side launched an aggressive late surge to rescue a draw and keep their continental qualification hopes alive. Rangers defended resolutely in the closing stages to weather the storm and secure the narrow victory. The hard-fought triumph saw coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men finish the grueling campaign at the top of the standings with 68 points.

The result rendered Rivers United’s emphatic 3-0 home victory over Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium irrelevant. The Port Harcourt club finished as runners-up with 67 points to secure the second CAF Champions League ticket. Meanwhile, Ibadan-based Shooting Stars retained their CAF Confederation Cup spot despite suffering a narrow 1-0 away defeat against Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

The final day of the season also confirmed major movements at both ends of the top-flight table. Continental powerhouses Enyimba FC secured their top-flight survival with an emphatic 3-0 home victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in Aba. Remo Stars also escaped relegation after fighting out a tense 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin City. El-Kanemi Warriors, Kun Khalifat, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists were officially relegated to the lower-tier Nigeria National League.

Enugu Rangers Clinch Historic Ninth NPFL Title With Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Ikorodu City

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics