Rangers International were crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on the final day of the season, with captain Chidebere Nwobodo delivering a title winning performance through a decisive brace.
A tense and emotional contest was witnessed in Lagos as the title race went down to the final whistle. Rangers International arrived knowing only victory would secure the crown, while Ikorodu City were chasing a CAF Confederation Cup place despite being weakened by the absence of key players.
Goalkeeper Micheal Atata, captain Tosin Oyedokun and midfielder Aderemi Adeoye were away with the Super Eagles preparing for the Unity Cup, while Joseph Arumala missed out through injury.
The opening exchanges were controlled by the hosts, as early attacking moves were launched in an attempt to unsettle the Rangers International defence. However, the visitors gradually settled into the game and almost found the breakthrough in the 29th minute after chaos from a long throw ended with the ball being forced into the net. Celebrations were cut short after a foul was spotted in the build up.
Only moments later, Rangers International eventually got their reward. Possession was cheaply surrendered in midfield by Ikorodu City before a swift transition was launched. Nwobodo surged forward before a powerful left footed strike was driven beyond Derrick Julu in the 30th minute to hand the Flying Antelopes the lead.
Pressure continued to be applied by Rangers International, especially through dangerous long throws from the left side, which repeatedly caused problems inside the Ikorodu penalty area. In response, Ikorodu City Technical Adviser reacted quickly by introducing Musa Malik and Moses Ali in place of Kelvin Briggs and Salami Farouk before halftime.
The hosts nearly found an equaliser in the 43rd minute when a harmless cross from the left was almost spilled into danger by Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh.
Soon after, another threatening corner delivery from substitute Musa Malik nearly led to a leveller, but Olanrewaju Molade’s effort was deflected before stand in captain Folarin Temitope blasted wide from the follow up.
Rangers International remained dangerous before the break. Daniel Itodo’s delivery almost forced Derrick Julu into an own goal under pressure, while another long throw created panic before Godwin Obaje headed narrowly wide.
Ikorodu City entered the second half determined to protect their unbeaten home record, but Rangers struck again through relentless pressing. In the 52nd minute, a long pass released Obaje, whose cutback was missed by everyone in the area.
As Ikorodu struggled to clear the danger, Wisdom Ebrim fired from distance and Julu could only palm the ball into the path of Nwobodo, who reacted quickest to bury the rebound and double Rangers advantage.
The hosts refused to surrender. Musa Malik almost reduced the deficit moments later after being played through on goal, but the angle proved too tight.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 58th minute when sustained pressure from a corner caused confusion inside the Rangers box. Temitope’s low strike was spilled by Jimoh and substitute Moses Ali reacted sharply to tap home and ignite hopes of a comeback.
As tension rose around the stadium, chances continued to arrive at both ends. Ikorodu City pushed forward desperately and nearly equalised in the 68th minute when Light King headed wide from another dangerous corner.
Nervousness spread through both sets of supporters as the closing stages approached. Seven minutes of added time were played, yet Rangers stood firm and eventually sealed a famous victory that delivered their ninth NPFL title.
The triumph was celebrated in the presence of the Enugu State Deputy Governor, who witnessed Rangers move level with the second most successful club in Nigerian top flight history behind Enyimba.
For head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, another major achievement was secured. The title marked his second NPFL crown after previously guiding Rangers to success in 2024. Earlier in his managerial career, second place finishes had also been recorded with MFM FC in 2017 and Plateau United in 2022.
Elsewhere, Rivers United ended their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Katsina United, but it proved insufficient after spending several weeks at the top of the table. Meanwhile, defeat for Ikorodu City ended their hopes of continental qualification through the league, leaving the President Federation Cup as their final route into Africa.
Shooting Stars also secured continental football despite a defeat away to Niger Tornadoes, ending a wait of more than two decades for a return to CAF competition.
