The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday as Enugu Rangers emerged champions after a tense 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Led by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Flying Antelopes battled fiercely to secure their ninth Nigerian league title in what proved to be a dramatic final day of the campaign. The victory saw Rangers finish at the top of the NPFL table with 68 points from 38 matches, capping off an impressive and consistent season.
Chidiebere Nwobodo was the hero of the day, scoring both goals for Rangers to put his side firmly in control of the title race. Despite the pressure of the occasion, Rangers showed composure and determination throughout the encounter.
Ikorodu City, who were also fighting for a continental qualification spot, refused to go down without a fight. Moses Ali pulled one back in the 58th minute to spark hopes of a comeback, but Rangers held their nerve and defended resolutely until the final whistle to seal a memorable triumph.
Elsewhere, Rivers United finished the season in second place with 67 points after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
One of the biggest stories of the season came from Shooting Stars Sports Club, who secured third place to book a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. Popularly known as 3SC, the Ibadan-based club will return to continental football for the first time in 27 years, marking a historic achievement for the club and its supporters.
