Rangers Win Historic Ninth NPFL Title After Beating Ikorodu City

Rangers International were crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Ikorodu City in a tense final-day clash in Lagos.

The Flying Antelopes ended the 2025/2026 season with 68 points, winning a record-equalling ninth league title to draw level with Enyimba International as the most successful club in NPFL history.

Rangers started the game strongly and created the first chance through Kelvin Briggs, whose flicked header from a long ball went over the crossbar.

The match struggled to settle in the early stages, with both sides finding it difficult to create clear opportunities.

Rangers believed they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Daniel Itodo’s long throw caused confusion inside the Ikorodu City penalty area, but the referee ruled the goal out.

The breakthrough finally came in the 31st minute after Ikorodu City lost possession close to their box. Rangers captain Obinna Nwobodo drove forward before calmly firing past goalkeeper Derrick July to give the visitors the lead.

Ikorodu City tried to respond quickly, but Rangers continued to press aggressively. Defender Chidozie Iwundu attempted a long-range effort, but it failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

Itodo remained Rangers’ biggest attacking threat throughout the game with his dangerous long throws.

One of his deliveries won a corner before another effort found Itodo himself, but his header drifted wide.

The hosts also threatened from set-pieces, with captain Folarin Temitope sending an effort over the bar after a loose ball fell kindly for him.

Rangers nearly doubled their lead before half-time when another long throw from Itodo found league top scorer Godwin Obaje, but his flick rolled narrowly wide.

The visitors eventually got their second goal shortly after the break. Wisdom Ebirim’s shot was pushed into the path of Nwobodo, who reacted quickest to score from close range.

Ikorodu City pulled one back through Moses Bada after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh parried Temitope’s cross into the striker’s path for a simple finish, setting up a nervous ending at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Rangers continued searching for another goal, but Waheed Adebayo missed a good chance inside the box after a knockdown from Ebirim.

Iwundu also tested the hosts again with another ambitious strike from distance as Rangers battled to protect their lead in the closing minutes.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among Rangers supporters as the club secured its second league title in three seasons under General Manager Barrister Amobi Ezeaku and Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu.