Rangers FC have been crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos. The win, secured with two first-half goals from captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, marked the club’s ninth NPFL title and their second in three seasons. Former Kwara United coach Samson Unuanel praised the team, calling the triumph well-deserved and highlighting the players’ determination in achieving their goal. Rangers finished the season with 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United, who defeated Katsina United 3-0 in Port Harcourt but had to settle for second place.
Unuanel, speaking to Completesports.com, expressed his delight at Rangers’ success, noting that their hard work throughout the campaign paid off. He emphasized the significance of beating Ikorodu City in a high-stakes match, describing it as a testament to the team’s focus and resilience. The victory not only sealed the league title but also confirmed Rangers as Nigeria’s top representative in next season’s CAF Champions League. Rivers United, coached by Finidi George, will also join them in the continental competition, despite falling short in their own title chase.
This latest title adds to Rangers’ storied history, with previous championships in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 2016, and 2024. The club made history in 1977 by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the African Cup Winners’ Cup, a milestone that still resonates today. Founded in 1970, shortly after the Nigerian Civil War, Rangers emerged as a symbol of unity and perseverance, particularly in the South-east region. Their enduring legacy is reflected in the “Never-Say-Die” identity that continues to define the club.
Rangers remain the only Nigerian club to have never been relegated from the top division, a remarkable achievement in a league known for its competitive nature. Their consistent performance over decades underscores their status as one of the most successful and stable institutions in Nigerian football. The Flying Antelopes’ latest triumph is not just a victory on the pitch but a reaffirmation of their place among Nigeria’s footballing elite. As they prepare for the CAF Champions League, Rangers will carry the hopes of their fans and the weight of history into the next chapter of their legacy.
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