BY Chidi-Ebere .O. Moneme.
Rangers International Football Club has emerged Champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after securing a dramatic 2 : 1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos on the final day of the campaign.
The Flying ANTELOPES held their nerve in a tense title race to finish top of the league table with 58 points, edging Rivers United by a single point to reclaim the domestic crown in a thrilling fashion.
Being aware that a victory will guarantee the NPFL title regardless of results elsewhere, Rangers delivered when it mattered most at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos.
Rangers Midfielder Chidi-Ebere Nwobodo proved the hero for the visitors, producing a match winning display with a first half opener before doubling Rangers advantage shortly after the re-start.
Rangers struck first in the 30th minute when Nwobodo found the break-through, silencing the home ground and giving Rangers lead heading into the interval.
Rangers returned from the break with a renewed intensity and we’re rewarded again in the 52nd minute as Nwobodo completed his brace, placing Rangers firmly in control and within touching distance of the NPFL trophy.
Ikorodu City however refused to surrender without a fight as Ali Moses pulled one goal back for the host in the 58th minute, setting up a nervy finale as Rangers faced sustained pressure from the determined Lagos side.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for Rangers, where consistency and resilience ultimately proved decisive in one of the closest title races in recent NPFL history.
Elsewhere in Port-harcourt, Rivers United did all they could to keep their title hopes alive, defeating Katsine United 3 : 0 before their home supporters.
However, the Rangers Versus Ikorodu City result in Lagos extinguished their dreams of a league glory in this season.
Coach Finidi George’s side, who had entered the final day still optimistic, finished second, beging the Flying ANTELOPES on 57 Points, just one point behind Rangers.
They have to settle to a CAF Champions League qualification slot as consolation.
