Sports
NPFL Match-day Results: Rangers Secured Their Eight NPFL Title
Eko Hot Blog reports that Enugu Rangers won the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League title with one game remaining, following a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in their final home match of the season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.
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The Flying Antelopes secured their eighth league title and first since 2016, capitalizing on the losses of their rivals Remo Stars and Enyimba in other match-day 37 fixtures.
Remo Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sunshine Stars in Akure.
While Enyimba lost 2-1 to relegation-threatened Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, with a late goal sealing their fate.
Entering match-day 37 with a two-point lead, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s squad quickly took control of their destiny against Bendel Insurance, with Kenechukwu Agu opening the scoring in the 33rd minute.
Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled their advantage in the 65th minute.
Rangers defeat Bendel Insurance to secure title
But their confirmation as champions was nearly delayed to the final day as both Remo Stars and Enyimba.
However, after initially falling behind, managed to equalize in their respective matches.
A draw for either Remo or Enyimba would have kept them in contention for the title, but their chances were dashed by two late goals.
In Akure, after Ahmed Akinyele equalized following Chinedu Nwosu’s opener for Sunshine Stars.
The 17-year-old struck again in the 80th minute to secure Sunshine’s first win over Remo Stars in six matches.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Enyimba needed all three points.
Despite Chijioke Mbaoma scoring from the spot to equalize after Godwin Odibo’s opener for the hosts.
Jonathan Alukwu emerged as the hero by netting the decisive winner for Sporting, which also kept their survival chances alive.
Thanks to their victory over Bendel Insurance and the defeats of their challengers, Ilechukwu led Rangers to an unassailable five-point lead with 67 points.
Enugu Dangers coach, Fidelis y
Heading into their final game of the season against Gombe United at the Pantami Stadium next week.
Fondly known as ‘The Working One,’ Ilechukwu had previously managed the defunct MFM FC, Heartland, and Plateau United before joining Rangers at the start of the season.
Following their failure to secure the title, Remo Stars, Enyimba, and fourth-placed Shooting Stars are engaged in a thrilling race for the remaining two continental tickets through the league.
As the battle for those spots unfolds on match-day 38, Rangers will face relegated Gombe United in a match of little consequence before their coronation at the Pantami Stadium.
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Established in 1970, Rangers have secured the NPFL title seven times, in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, and 2016.
Enyimba holds the record for the most league titles, winning it for the ninth time last season, surpassing the achievement of the Flying Antelopes.
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