NPFL Title Race: Rangers Aim to Close Gap as Struggling Remo Stars Face Enugu Test

Posted : 08 March 2026

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race is entering a decisive phase as only 10 matchdays remain. While Rivers United FC sit atop the standings, Rangers International FC are firmly in pursuit, just two points behind with a game in hand.

This weekend’s clash in Enugu could shape both the title race and the relegation battle when the Flying Antelopes host struggling champions Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Rangers head into the fixture full of confidence after an impressive run that has kept them within striking distance of the league leaders.

The Enugu side has been particularly formidable at home this season and will look to extend that record against the embattled Sky Blues.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, who regularly watches Rangers from the stands in Enugu, believes the Flying Antelopes have what it takes to push for the title.

“It’s been a very competitive and interesting league so far. You are beginning to see a real title race between Rivers United and Rangers. The points gap is small, and Rangers are playing the game of their lives right now.”

Rangers’ recent surge has coincided with the full return of head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who had earlier been away on national duty with the Nigeria national football team.

During his absence, assistant coach Ekeh Kenechukwu kept the team competitive, but Ilechukwu’s return has injected renewed tactical sharpness and consistency into the squad.

Agbim believes the coach’s influence could prove decisive in the title run-in.

“Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has fully rejoined them after his national assignment with the Super Eagles.

``His assistant did well when he was away, but since the head coach returned, Rangers have not looked back. With ten games to go, they can fight for the title if they maintain this tempo.”

While Rangers are chasing glory, the story is dramatically different for Remo Stars. Just ten months after lifting their maiden NPFL title and earning praise from FIFA, the Ikenne-based club now find themselves deep in relegation trouble.

The defending champions currently sit 18th on the table with 30 points from 28 matches, having suffered 16 defeats this season.

Their struggles have largely been attributed to a massive squad overhaul following last season’s triumph.

Key departures, including captain Junior Nduka, goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, winger Sodiq Ismail, midfielder Tochukwu Michael, and forward Sikiru Alimi, significantly weakened the team’s core.

The impact is evident in the numbers. Remo Stars have scored only 26 goals while conceding 34 this season, a sharp contrast to last campaign when they allowed just 31 goals on their way to the title.

In a bid to halt the slide, the club recently appointed Usman Abd'Allah as technical adviser.

The new coach secured his first victory last weekend, ending a seven-match winless run and offering a glimmer of hope to anxious supporters.

However, the trip to Enugu presents a stern test. Rangers remain unbeaten at home this season, and another defeat for Remo Stars could deepen their relegation fears as the campaign enters its final stretch.

For Rangers, victory would keep the pressure on Rivers United in the title race.

For Remo Stars, it could mean the difference between survival hope and the looming threat of relegation to the Nigeria National League.

NPFL Title Race: Rangers Aim to Close Gap as Struggling Remo Stars Face Enugu Test

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