Rangers International Football Club of Enugu clinched the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title after a decisive 2-0 victory against Bendel Insurance in Enugu on Sunday, with one game still remaining in the season.
The win propelled Rangers to an unassailable 67 points, following the defeats of their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba, who both lost 2-1 to Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively.
This triumph marks the Flying Antelopes’ eighth Nigerian league title, solidifying their position as the second most successful club in the league’s history, just behind Enyimba, who hold nine league titles.
Despite leading the league table for several weeks, Rangers faced the possibility of losing the title had they not secured a victory against Bendel Insurance, with Remo Stars and Enyimba ready to capitalize on any slip-up.
However, the stars aligned for Rangers on Sunday as they secured the crucial win while their competitors faltered.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Kenechukwu Agu scored a well-placed free-kick, igniting celebrations at the filled Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (Cathedral).
Rangers continued to press for a second goal, which arrived in the 65th minute when Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead, easing the tension in the stadium.
Nwobodo’s goal prompted jubilant chants of “holy holy holy Enugu Rangers is another champion” from the fans as Rangers held on to win the game 2-0 and claim the championship.
With 67 points, Rangers’ final league game away to Gombe United is now a formality, as no team can surpass their lead.
In addition to securing the title, Rangers automatically qualify to represent Nigeria in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. The battle for Nigeria’s second Champions League slot will be decided on the last game day among Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Shooting Stars.
