By Amaechi Agbo
Rangers International have emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL
The Flying Antelopes were crowned winners on Sunday after a dramatic 2-2 victory against Ikorodu City in Lagos
They finished the 2025/2026 campaign on 68 points, securing a record-equalling ninth league title to move level with Enyimba International as the joint-most successful club in NPFL history.
The visitors started brightly and created the game’s first opening through Kelvin Briggs, who met a long ball with a flicked header that drifted over the crossbar.
The contest struggled to find rhythm in the opening stages, with few clear-cut chances after 19 minutes of largely scrappy football.
Rangers thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half when Daniel Itodo’s trademark long throw caused panic inside the Ikorodu City penalty area, but the referee disallowed the effort.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 31st minute. Ikorodu City surrendered possession just outside their own penalty area and Rangers captain Obinna Nwobodo seized the opportunity, driving into the box before firing past helpless goalkeeper Derrick July to hand the visitors the lead.
Ikorodu City attempted to respond immediately, but Rangers maintained their aggressive pressing approach. Defender Chidozie Iwundu tried his luck from long range, though his effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Itodo remained Rangers biggest attacking outlet throughout the contest, repeatedly troubling the Oga Boys with powerful long throws.
One delivery earned a corner which was eventually met by the throw-in specialist himself, but his header drifted wide.
The hosts continued to threaten from set-piece situations. A loose ball eventually fell to captain Folarin Temitope, whose effort flew over the crossbar.
Rangers nearly doubled their advantage late in the first half when another Itodo long throw found league top scorer Godwin Obaje, but his flick rolled narrowly past the left post.
The visitors did find a second goal shortly after the restart. Rangers caught Ikorodu City off guard as Wisdom Ebirim’s snapshot was pushed out into the path of Nwobodo, who reacted quickest to convert from close range.
Ikorodu City pulled one back through Moses Bada after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh parried Temitope’s dangerous cross into the striker’s path for a simple finish, setting up a tense finale inside the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Rangers continued to push for another goal and Waheed Adebayo squandered a promising chance inside the penalty area after a knockdown from Ebirim.
Iwundu also tested the hosts with another ambitious long-range strike in the closing stages as Rangers fought to protect their lead during an intense final 10 minutes.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the travelling supporters as Rangers secured their second league title in three seasons under General Manager Barrister Amobi Ezeaku and Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu.
