Rangers rule NPFL Pre-season tourney in Jos
Rangers-International-of-Enugu
Rangers International have emerged champions of the 2026 NPFL Invitational Pre-season Tournament after beating Plateau United 1-0 in yesterday’s final at the New Jos Stadium.
Justice Akugre scored the decisive goal with a 28th -minute header as the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions held off a determined second-half response from the hosts to lift the trophy.
Plateau United pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Rangers protected their advantage to finish the six-team competition on a high ahead of the new domestic season.
Earlier, Mighty Jets secured third place after edging Katsina United 1-0 in the playoff. Tochukwu Ibedu’s 39th -minute goal separated the sides at the New Jos Stadium.
The tournament, which began on August 19, featured Rangers International, Rivers United, Plateau United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Mighty Jets and Katsina United.
Beyond preparations for the new NPFL season, the competition was organised partly to provide competitive match fitness for Nigerian clubs preparing for continental football. Rangers, Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors are among Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.
For Rangers, the victory provides another confidence boost as the Enugu club prepares to defend its NPFL title and compete in the CAF Champions League.
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