Rangers International F.C. have written another golden chapter in Nigerian football after edging Ikorodu City F.C. 2-1 to seal a record-equalling ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title.
The famous Flying Antelopes secured the crown in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, with Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo delivering a match-winning brace to fire the Enugu club to glory ahead of fierce title rivals Rivers United F.C..
Nwobodo found the net in both halves to hand Rangers a crucial victory and keep them ahead in the title race.
Ikorodu City fought back in the 58th minute after substitute, Moses Ali, capitalised on an error from Rangers goalkeeper, Lucky Jimoh, who failed to properly handle a long-range strike.
Despite the scare, Rangers held on to secure the championship with 68 points from 38 matches, finishing just one point above Rivers United, who wrapped up their own campaign with a convincing 3-0 win against Katsina United F.C.
The triumph also handed coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, his second league title with the Enugu-based side.
With the victory, Rangers now equal the all-time NPFL title record previously held by regional rivals Enyimba F.C.
Following their league success, Rangers and runners-up, Rivers United, will both represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.
