Rangers International Clinch Record-Equalling Ninth NPFL Title After Dramatic Win in Lagos

Rangers International F.C. have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League following a thrilling 2-1 win against Ikorodu City F.C. in Lagos on Sunday.

The Flying Antelopes finished the season with 68 points, securing a record-equalling ninth league title to move level with Enyimba F.C. as the joint-most successful club in NPFL history.

The opening stages were largely scrappy, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.

Rangers believed they had taken the lead midway through the first half after a trademark long throw from Daniel Itodo caused confusion inside the Ikorodu City penalty area, but the effort was disallowed by the referee.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 31st minute after Ikorodu City surrendered possession near their own penalty area. Chidiebere capitalised, driving forward before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Derrick July to hand the visitors the lead.

Ikorodu City attempted to respond, but Rangers continued to dominate with aggressive pressing and dangerous set-piece deliveries. Defender Chidozie Iwundu tested the hosts with a long-range effort, while Itodo remained a constant threat through his powerful throw-ins.

Rangers almost doubled their advantage before halftime when another Itodo delivery located league top scorer Godwin Obaje, whose flick narrowly missed the target.

The visitors extended their lead shortly after the restart. Wisdom Ebirim forced a save from the goalkeeper before Nwobodo reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range for his second goal of the match.

Ikorodu City pulled one back through Moses Ali after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh parried a dangerous cross from captain Folarin Temitope directly into the striker’s path.

The hosts continued to press for an equaliser while Rangers searched for a decisive third goal. Waheed Adebayo later squandered a promising opportunity after a knockdown from Ebirim.

Despite the late pressure, Rangers held firm to secure the required points to clinch the title, sparking jubilant celebrations among their travelling supporters at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The triumph marks Rangers’ second league title in three seasons under General Manager Amobi Ezeaku and Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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