President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on their historic victory in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), marking their ninth league title and tying them with Enyimba FC as the most successful clubs in NPFL history. The Enugu-based club secured the championship with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ikorodu City FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, capping one of the most intense final-day title races in recent memory. Tinubu’s commendation, issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the team’s resilience, dedication, and storied legacy in Nigerian football.
The President recalled Rangers’ golden era in the 1970s and 1980s, including their appearance in the 1975 African Cup of Champions Clubs final and their triumph in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup. He praised the club as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most influential football institutions, noting its role in producing some of the nation’s finest players who have represented Nigeria with pride on the international stage. Tinubu also extended his congratulations to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, crediting his administration’s investments in youth and sports for contributing to the team’s success.
In his statement, the President acknowledged Rivers United for their outstanding performance throughout the season, commending their competitiveness and professionalism despite finishing second. Rivers United had defeated Katsina United 3-0 on the final matchday, but it was not enough to overtake Rangers in the title race. Tinubu praised both clubs for their contributions to the league and wished them well as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.
The final matchday was widely regarded as one of the most thrilling in NPFL history, with both Rangers and Rivers United battling for the top spot. Rangers’ victory not only secured their place at the summit of Nigerian football but also solidified their status as a club with enduring excellence. Their triumph adds another chapter to their rich legacy, which spans decades of domestic and continental competition.
As Nigerian football celebrates this milestone, the focus now shifts to the future, with Rangers and Rivers United set to compete on the continental stage. The success of Rangers International FC serves as a reminder of the power of sustained effort, strategic investment, and the enduring spirit of Nigerian football.
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