…Sporting Lagos, Doma United Relegated

By Amaechi Agbo, Enugu

Rangers International FC of Enugu was on Sunday crowned champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.

The “Flying Antelopes” were handed their diadem in Jos after they beat Gombe United 2-1 in the final matchday 38 of the league watched by their state governor, Peter Ndubisi Mbah.

The triumph ensured that the Enugu based side won the league after accumulating 70 points from the available 114 points.

This is Rangers 8th trophy of the league which brings them at par with Enyimba FC who have also won the league a record 8 times. Both Rangers and Enyimba are the most successful teams in the country.

In the match at Jos, two early goals in 3rd and 7th minutes of the highly entertaining encounter off the boots of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje handed Rangers the driving seat but the host reduced the tally in 25 minutes off the boot of Sa’ad Abubakar while efforts to get more goals by either side proved abortive till the end of the first half of the encounter.

The second half was end-to-end stuff as the fans were at the edge of their seats as opportunities came and went with the short stoppers of the contending sides showcasing their stuff between the sticks.

Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau state counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and business mogul, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze were on the ground to witness the scintillating encounter and was involved in the medal and trophy presentation to the league winners, Rangers International F.C.

The Coal City side was later hosted to a grand dinner party by the G.M.D of Afrinvest West Africa, Prince Ike Chioke, which had three Enugu state commissioners present, players, coaches, backroom staff, and management staff were treated to sumptuous meals.

With the victory and trophy presentation, Rangers have extended their league triumphs to eight and will represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season with the target of getting as far as the final match.

This is a great day for all of us – Ilechukwu

Elated Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu said it was a great feeling for the team and dedicated the triumph to God and the good people of Enugu State for their massive support to the team.

“This is a great day for all of us in Rangers and we give God the glory. This is a victory for the government and people of Enugu state who supported us through thick and thin till we got to where we are today as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“We hope to get a few legs to add to this team to challenge for both domestic and continental honors next season effectively,” Mr Ilechukwu said

For their efforts in the the league, Rangers took home a giant trophy and a cheque for the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only which is the winning prize for the league.

Sporting Lagos, Doma United Relegated

Two clubs, Sporting Lagos and Doma United joined Heartland FC and Gombe United as the seek new lives in the second division league, the Nigeria National League (NNL)

Sporting Lagos marred by managerial crisis could not replicate their pre-league performance on the league as they went down just a year after they were promoted to the league.

Formed in 2021, the club gained promotion in 2023 but could not hold their way.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars will join Rangers in the CAF Champions League (their second return to the continent’s elite league) while Enyimba FC picked one if the tickets to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. The winner of the 2024 Federation Cup Final between Abịa Warriors and El Kanemi Warriors will pick the second ticket.

Enugu State Governor Host Rangers

The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah on Monday hosted the players, coaches and management of the 2024 NPFL Champions, Rangers Int’l FC in Enugu.

In an elaborate event held at the Ọkpara Square, prominent individuals including I politicians, captains of industries graced the event.