Rangers Crowned NPFL Champions, Receive National Acclaim

Published 1 hour ago3 minute read
Uche Emeka
Uche Emeka
Rangers Crowned NPFL Champions, Receive National Acclaim

Rangers International FC of Enugu has clinched the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title for a record ninth time, marking a significant achievement in Nigerian club football. The Enugu-based club finished the recently concluded campaign at the top of the table with an impressive 68 points from 38 matches, outpacing their closest rival, Rivers United.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to the managers, players, and fans of Rangers International FC for their historic victory. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged the club's consistent performance throughout the season. President Tinubu also recalled the glorious era of Rangers in the 1970s and 1980s, when they secured multiple league and FA Cup titles, notably reaching the finals of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and winning the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, attributing Rangers' victory to his administration's investments in youth and sports development within the state. He expressed pride in Rangers as one of Nigeria’s oldest clubs, highlighting its legacy of producing fine football players who have represented the nation on the global stage. President Tinubu also praised Rivers United for their excellent performance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, wishing both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

The successful completion of the Nigeria Premier Football League season also received commendation from Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, who expressed satisfaction with the clubs' adherence to the schedule, ensuring fixtures were followed from start to finish. Elegbeleye conveyed a heartfelt message of congratulations to all 20 clubs, including those who earned tickets to represent Nigeria in continental competitions and those that faced relegation.

He emphasized the collective effort that made the season a resounding success, with teams competing fiercely until the final day. Elegbeleye particularly charged the three clubs that secured continental tickets – Rangers International, Rivers United, and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), along with the winner of the President Federation Cup – to begin earnest preparations for the upcoming CAF club competitions. He urged them to change the narrative of past performances and establish a formidable Nigerian presence on the African club football stage next season.

In the final standings, Rangers International of Enugu secured the top spot after Matchday 38 with a crucial 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Lagos. Rivers United finished second, despite their 3-0 defeat of Katsina United not being enough to overtake Rangers. Ikorodu City’s defeat ensured that Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) retained third place, even after their loss to Niger Tornadoes. Meanwhile, Remo Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists were relegated from the league.

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