Rangers International Football Club of Enugu secured the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a decisive 2-0 win against Bendel Insurance in Enugu on Sunday. MySportDab Reports.
The victory, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, catapulted Rangers to an unassailable 67 points, ensuring their dominance atop the table. Their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba, suffered defeats against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively, which sealed Rangers’ path to glory.
The Flying Antelopes, under the guidance of Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, had led the league standings for several weeks but faced the pressure of needing a win to confirm their championship status.
Any slip-up against Bendel Insurance could have opened the door for Remo Stars and Enyimba to leapfrog them. However, Rangers displayed remarkable resolve and clinched the crucial victory.
Kenechukwu Agu broke the deadlock 32 minutes into the game with a sublime free-kick, igniting celebrations among the home fans. As the match progressed, the tension eased when Chidiebere Nwobodo added a second goal in the 65th minute.
This goal sparked chants of “holy, holy, holy Enugu Rangers is another champion” from the enthusiastic crowd, as Rangers maintained their 2-0 lead till the final whistle.
This triumph marks Rangers’ eighth league title, solidifying their position as the second most successful club in NPFL history, trailing only Enyimba, who have nine titles.
With this win, Rangers have also secured automatic qualification for the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. Their final league game against Gombe United is now merely a formality, as their 67 points are insurmountable.
The race for Nigeria’s second Champions League spot remains open, with Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Shooting Stars still vying for the coveted position on the last day of the season.
