Rangers Win 2025/26 NPFL Title After Tense Finish Against Ikorodu City

Rangers Win 2025/26 NPFL Title After Tense Finish Against Ikorodu City

By Niyi Busari 

Rangers International F.C. have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ikorodu City F.C. in Lagos on Sunday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Flying Antelopes finished the campaign with 68 points, securing a record-equalling ninth league title to move level with Enyimba F.C. as the joint-most successful club in NPFL history.

Rangers began brightly and nearly opened the scoring early on when Kelvin Briggs connected with a long delivery, but his flicked header drifted over the crossbar.

The match initially struggled to settle into rhythm, with both sides finding it difficult to create clear opportunities during a scrappy opening period.

Rangers thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half after a trademark long throw from Daniel Itodo caused confusion inside the Ikorodu City penalty area, but the effort was ruled out by the referee.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 31st minute. Ikorodu City lost possession close to their own box and Rangers captain Obinna Nwobodo capitalised, driving forward before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Derrick July to give the visitors the advantage.

Ikorodu City attempted to respond, but Rangers continued to dominate with aggressive pressing and dangerous set-piece deliveries. Defender Chidozie Iwundu tested the hosts with a long-range effort, while Itodo remained a constant threat with his powerful throw-ins.

Rangers almost doubled their lead before halftime when another Itodo delivery found league top scorer Godwin Obaje, whose flick narrowly missed the target.

The visitors extended their lead shortly after the restart. Wisdom Ebirim forced a save from the goalkeeper before Nwobodo reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range for his second goal of the match.

Ikorodu City reduced the deficit through Moses Bada after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh parried a dangerous cross from captain Folarin Temitope into the striker’s path.

The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, while Rangers searched for a decisive third goal. Waheed Adebayo squandered a promising opportunity late on after a knockdown from Ebirim.

Despite the late pressure, Rangers held firm to secure the point they needed to clinch the title, sparking jubilant celebrations among their travelling supporters at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The triumph marks Rangers’ second league title in three seasons under General Manager Amobi Ezeaku and Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu.