President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Enugu Rangers after the Flying Antelopes clinched a record-equalling ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title. The Enugu-based club secured the championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in the final match of the 2025/26 season, finishing top of the table with 68 points from 38 matches.
Tinubu Praises Historic Achievement
In a statement released by the State House, President Tinubu lauded the managers, players, and supporters of Rangers for their impressive feat. He described the triumph as another historic moment for one of Nigeria's biggest football institutions. The President reflected on the club's glorious history during the 1970s and 1980s, when Rangers dominated domestic football and achieved continental success, including a memorable run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and winning the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1977.
Tinubu also commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his support of sports development in the state. "I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration's investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him," Tinubu stated. He added that Rangers have produced some of Nigeria's finest football players who made the country proud globally.
The President equally praised Rivers United for pushing the title race to the very end and displaying sportsmanship throughout the campaign. According to the NPFL, both Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in next season's CAF Champions League.
Rangers Edge Rivers United in Title Race
Rangers entered the final matchday knowing that victory against Ikorodu City would guarantee the title regardless of Rivers United's result. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo rose to the occasion with a superb brace, scoring once in each half to secure a vital 2-1 victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Ikorodu City fought back after substitute Moses Ali reduced the deficit in the 58th minute following a goalkeeping error by Lucky Jimoh, but Rangers held on to claim the title.
This triumph means Rangers have now equalled regional rivals Enyimba as the most successful club in NPFL history with nine league titles. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu secured his second league title with the club, further enhancing his reputation as one of the top tacticians in Nigerian football.
Captain Nwobodo Vows to Defend Title
Speaking exclusively to Legit.ng after the victory, Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo said the squad always believed they were good enough to become champions. "I think we are a better side. Rangers is not a small team, so we came prepared for this game and I thank God for the victory," he said.
The midfielder expressed confidence that the club can defend the title next season while competing in the CAF Champions League. "Next season, we will be even better because we already have a good team and we are going to strengthen the squad with new players. I think we are good to go," he added.
Asked how special it was to equal the league title record, Nwobodo admitted it had been the club's target from the start of the season. "This was our target and our mission from the beginning of the season, and now we have achieved it," he said. The skipper insisted the Flying Antelopes are already thinking about retaining the crown next season. "For sure, we are going to defend the title next season. We are a very good side and we believe we can do it again."
Nwobodo Praises Coaches and Supporters
Nwobodo credited both the players and coaching crew for the successful campaign. According to him, the unity within the squad played a huge role in helping Rangers navigate a tense title race. "Both the coaches and the players contributed a lot to this triumph this season. Everybody worked hard for this success," he noted.
The captain also reserved special praise for Rangers supporters, who backed the team throughout the season. "I just want to thank them and encourage them to keep supporting Rangers. We will continue to work hard and we will do even better next season," he said.
