Enugu Rangers Emerge NPFL Champions Ahead Tournament Round-off
….67 unbeaten points at the top, Rangers relished the weaknesses of their closest rivals Remo Stars and Enyimba who lost 1-2 each to Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively
Rangers international Football Club of Enugu have won the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title after defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Enugu on Sunday with one game remaining.
The win took Rangers to 67 unbeaten points at the top, after their closest rivals Remo Stars and Enyimba lost 1-2 each to Sunshine Stars of Akure and Sporting Lagos, respectively.
It is the eighth Nigerian league title for the Flying Antelopes, making them the second most successful club in the league’s history, trailing behind only their oriental rival, Enyimba of Aba who have lifted the trophy nine times.
After being at the top of the league table for many weeks, the Enugu side was faced with the danger of losing the title with anything short of victory against Bendel Insurance with Remo Stars and Enyimba lurking around to take advantage.
However, everything worked in Rangers’ favour on Sunday, as they grabbed the all-important victory and their closest rivals all losing on the day.
Rangers opened scoring at the 32nd minute through Kenechukwu Agu who slotted in a well placed free-kick to set the filled Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium (Cathedral) agog with jubilation.
The Flying Antelopes pushed for a second goal and their efforts paid off in the 65th minute as Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead to relax nerves at the stadium.
Nwobodo’s goal elicited the chants of “holy holy holy Enugu Rangers is another champion” from the fans as their team held on the win of the game 2-0 and emerged champions.
With 67 points, Rangers last league game away to Gombe United is for pride as no magic can make any team to fly above the flying antelopes in the season’s tournament again.
In addition to winning the title, Rangers automatically qualifies to represent Nigeria in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. Nigerian second Champions League slot is now left for Remo Stars, Enyimba and Shooting Stars to fight for on the last game day.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, while he is presently on his M.Sc programme also in Mass Communication, at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is currently the NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com