Rangers International Football Club of Enugu have secured their 8th Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title following a decisive 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, commonly known as the Cathedral. This win elevates Rangers to an unassailable 67 points, crowning them champions with one game remaining in the season.
The victory was crucial for Rangers as their closest competitors, Remo Stars and Enyimba, both suffered defeats. Remo Stars lost 2-1 to Sunshine Stars, while Enyimba fell 2-1 to Sporting Lagos. This combination of results ensured that Rangers remained at the top, making them the second most successful club in NPFL history, trailing only Enyimba, who have nine league titles.
Rangers, who had led the league for several weeks, faced significant pressure to secure the title, needing a win against Bendel Insurance to stave off challenges from Remo Stars and Enyimba. Their resolve paid off on Sunday as they scored first in the 32nd minute through Kenechukwu Agu, who converted a well-placed free-kick, igniting celebrations among the home fans.
The Flying Antelopes continued to press for a second goal, which came in the 65th minute from Chidiebere Nwobodo, calming nerves and prompting jubilant chants of “holy holy holy, Enugu Rangers is another champion” from the supporters. The 2-0 win confirmed their status as NPFL champions.
With their 67-point tally, Rangers’ final league game away to Gombe United is now a formality, as no team can surpass them. This title win also guarantees Rangers a spot in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.
