Rangers FC have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Pre-Season Invitational Tournament after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plateau United in the final at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday. The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Justice Akugre rose unchallenged inside the box to power home a header following a well-delivered corner kick. His goal proved enough as Rangers held firm defensively throughout the second half, repelling Plateau United’s attempts to level the score and securing their first title of the season.
The match was tightly contested from start to finish, with both teams displaying strong defensive discipline. Plateau United pushed forward after halftime, creating several chances, but Rangers’ backline remained resolute under pressure. Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbani made key saves to preserve the lead, while the midfielders controlled the tempo effectively. The win marks a strong pre-season statement for Rangers as they prepare for the upcoming NPFL campaign.
In the third-place playoff, Mighty Jets claimed bronze with a narrow 1-0 win over Katsina United. Tochukwu Ibedu scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute, finishing clinically after a swift counter-attack. The result gave Mighty Jets a boost ahead of the new season, while Katsina United will look to regroup after a disappointing tournament.
The NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament served as a crucial preparation platform for participating clubs ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season. Teams used the competition to test tactics, assess squad depth, and build team cohesion before the official league begins. The tournament featured several top-tier sides, including Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors, who also took part in the event held in Jos.
The official NPFL season is set to kick off on Friday, 27 August, with defending champions Rangers facing Katsina United in the opening fixture. This match will be closely watched as it sets the tone for the new campaign. Rangers’ triumph in the pre-season tournament adds momentum to their title defense ambitions, while other clubs will aim to use the experience gained in Jos to improve their performances in the regular season.
As Nigerian football prepares for another exciting campaign, the results from the invitational tournament highlight emerging talent and competitive spirit across the league. The performance of players like Justice Akugre and Tochukwu Ibedu could influence team selections and squad rotations in the months ahead. With preparations now complete, all eyes turn to the start of the 2026/27 NPFL season, promising intense action and thrilling matches across the country.
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