How Enugu Rangers emerged as Nigerian champions
Enugu Rangers earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday to win a record-equalling ninth Nigeria Premier League title on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes needed a victory against Ikorodu City who were fighting to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup to emerge champions but they stunned the hosts with a gritty performance to emerge champions.
Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo led from the front with the opener with a clinical finish in the first half.
He added his second goal of the game in the second half to increase the visitors’ lead in the 55th minute.
Three minutes later, Moses Alli reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City to set up a tense finish to the encounter but Rangers held on to seal the maximum points and ultimately the title.
They have now equalled Enyimba’s record of nine NPFL titles.
It was their second title in three years under Fidelis Ilechukwu.
Rangers finished the season with 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United in second as they recorded 19 victories, 11 draw and eight defeats.
Rivers United consolidated their position in second with a dominant 3-0 win over Katsina United to end the season with 67 points, earning 19 wins, 10 draws and nine defeats.
Shooting Stars of Ibadan suffered a 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes but despite the defeat they finished third on the log while also qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup.
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It was a return to continental football for the first time after 27 years.
The Oluyole Warriors earned 60 points with 18 victories, six draws and 14 defeats.
Ikorodu City finished fourth with 58 points with 16 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats to narrowly miss out of continental place.
Defending champions Remo Stars suffered relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin.
Remo Stars took the lead in the first half through Victor Mbaoma before Meyiwa Oritseweyimi’s goal snatched a point for Bendel Insurance to send Remo Stars down.
The Sky Blue Stars finished the season with 47 points in 17th after winning 14 matches, drawing five and losing 19.
They became the third NPFL Champions to go down a season after winning the league after Shooting Stars in 1999, and Bayelsa United in 2009.
El Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists finished 18th, 19th, 20th respectively to join Remo Stars in the lower division next season.
