Rangers FC have secured their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes, managed by Fidelis Ilechukwu, finished the season with 68 points from 38 matches, cementing their dominance in the top flight. Chidiebere Nwobodo was the hero of the day, scoring both goals for Rangers — the first in the 30th minute and the second just 10 minutes into the second half. Ikorodu City pulled one back through Moses Ali in the 58th minute, but Rangers held firm to clinch the championship.
The win marks a historic achievement for the Lagos-based club, who have now added another title to their illustrious history. Their victory also secured a continental ticket for next season, continuing their tradition of competing on the African stage. Rivers United secured second place after a commanding 3-0 win over Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Mbaoma netted twice, while Aniekeme Okon added the third goal, ensuring Rivers United’s strong finish to the season.
Shooting Stars, despite a 1-0 loss to Niger Tornadoes in Minna, finished third and will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai scored the decisive penalty for Tornadoes four minutes before halftime. Enyimba maintained their top-flight status with a 3-0 home win over Katsina United, with Stanley Dimgba scoring twice in the first half and Uwana Asuquo adding the third in the 87th minute. The defeat relegated El-Kanemi Warriors to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Plateau United edged past Kano Pillars 1-0 at the New Jos Stadium, with Victor Dawa scoring the winner in stoppage time. Yenagoa Bayelsa United delivered the biggest win of the day, thrashing Kwara United 4-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Peter Ebimobiwei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom, and Nneoyi Ofem all found the back of the net for the home side. In Kano, Barau FC defeated Nasarawa United 3-0, with Joseph Atule opening the scoring two minutes before halftime, followed by goals from Sunday Anthony and Adamu Hussein late in the game.
Other results included Bendel Insurance drawing 1-1 with Remo Stars and Wolves beating Abia Warriors 2-1. With the season now concluded, Rangers stand tall as champions, while the battle for continental qualification and survival has ended with clear outcomes. The NPFL 2025/26 season will be remembered for its fierce competition and dramatic finishes, setting the stage for an even more intense campaign next year.
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