Rangers International Football Club of Enugu clinched the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title by defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Enugu on Sunday, with one game left in the season.
This victory propelled Rangers to an unassailable 67 points at the top of the table, as their closest rivals ,Remo Stars and Enyimba stumbled to defeats against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively.
This marks the 8th Nigerian league title for the Flying Antelopes, cementing their status as the league’s second most successful club, just behind Enyimba who have 9 titles. Rangers had maintained their lead at the league table for several weeks but faced a critical test against Bendel Insurance. However, they rose to the occasion with Kenechukwu Agu scoring a pivotal free-kick in the 32nd minute followed by Chidiebere Nwobodo doubling the lead in the 65th minute.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (Cathedral) erupted in jubilation as Rangers secured their championship victory. With their tally now at 67 points, Rangers’ final match against Gombe United is purely ceremonial, as no team can catch up with them.
In addition to the league title, Rangers have secured qualification for the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. The remaining slot for Nigeria in the Champions League will be contested among Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Shooting Stars on the last matchday.
