Rangers edge Rivers United on dramatic Matchday 38 to clinch historic NPFL title
Enugu Rangers produced a championship-winning performance away from home in Lagos, defeating Ikorodu City 2-1 to clinch the Nigeria Premier Football League title in one of the most dramatic final days in recent memory.
The Flying Antelopes arrived at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena knowing only victory would guarantee the crown, while keeping a close eye on title rivals Rivers United in Port Harcourt. Rangers showed nerves of steel as Chidiebere Nwobodo emerged the hero with a brace — striking in the 30th and 52nd minutes — before Moses Ali pulled one back for the Oga Boys in the 58th minute.
The crucial away victory saw Rangers finish the season on 68 points, one ahead of second-placed Rivers United, sealing yet another historic triumph for one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs. It is their third league title in a decade, and their second in the last three years.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United did everything in their power to chase down the title, thrashing Katsina United 3-0 in front of their home fans at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Chijioke Mbaoma struck twice, in the 3rd and 67th minutes, while Aniekeme Okon added a third in the 63rd minute. Despite the emphatic win, the Pride of Rivers finished agonisingly short on 67 points.
The title race was not the only major talking point on the final day, as the battles for continental tickets and survival also produced late twists.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes secured their NPFL status with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars. Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converted from the penalty spot in the 41st minute to hand the Ikon Allah Boys a priceless three points. Despite the defeat, the Oluyole Warriors celebrated qualification for continental football for the first time in over two decades, finishing third on 60 points to earn a place in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
That result pushed Ikorodu City down to fourth place on 58 points, after the Lagos side had occupied the Confederation Cup spot for much of the campaign.
Bendel Insurance climbed to fifth on 56 points following a dramatic 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Remo Stars in Benin City. Victor Mbaoma gave Remo Stars the lead on the stroke of half-time before Chijioke Akuneto rescued a late equaliser for the Benin Arsenal deep into stoppage time. It was not enough to save Remo Stars from the drop, however.
Nasarawa United slipped to sixth after suffering a crushing 3-0 defeat to Barau FC in Kano. Joseph Atule opened the scoring for the Maliya Boys in the 43rd minute, before Sunday Anthony and Adamu Hussein added further goals in the second half. Barau FC capped a remarkable debut NPFL season in eighth place on 52 points, their second-half resurgence aided significantly by the arrival of former Super Eagles player Dominic Iorfa as the club’s General Manager.
In Ozoro, Warri Wolves defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 to secure survival on 49 points. Chisom Orji scored twice — including a penalty in the 60th minute — after Imoh Obot had given the Umuchineke Boys an early lead in the opening minute. Despite ending the campaign with three consecutive defeats, Abia Warriors still finished seventh on 55 points.
Enyimba confirmed their top-flight status for next season with a commanding 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors in Aba. The People’s Elephant proved too strong for the Borno Army, whose heavy defeat condemned them to relegation on goal difference after finishing on 47 points.
Plateau United survived in dramatic fashion as Victor Dawa scored a stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 triumph over Kano Pillars in Jos. The Peace Boys climbed to 10th on 50 points, while Sai Masu Gida were already safe heading into the match.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United ended their season in emphatic style by thrashing Kwara United 4-0. Peter Ebimobowei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom and Nneoyi Ofem all got on the scoresheet for the Prosperity Boys. Despite the heavy defeat, Kwara United narrowly escaped relegation on goal difference with 47 points, while Bayelsa United had already been condemned to the drop before kick-off.
At the end of a thrilling campaign, Rangers and Rivers United secured Nigeria’s CAF Champions League berths, while Shooting Stars earned the country’s CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
NPFL: Matchday 38 Results
Niger Tornadoes 1–0 Shooting Stars
Enyimba 3–0 El Kanemi Warriors
Bayelsa United 4–0 Kwara United
Bendel Insurance 1–1 Remo Stars
Ikorodu City 1–2 Rangers
Rivers United 3–0 Katsina United
Warri Wolves 2–1 Abia Warriors
Plateau United 1–0 Kano Pillars
Barau FC 3–0 Nasarawa United
Crédito: Link de origem