Enugu Rangers made Nigerian football history on May 24, securing the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) championship for a record-equalling ninth time — a triumph that sent shockwaves across the continent.
The Flying Antelopes sealed the title on the final day of the 2025/26 season with a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Ikorodu City. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo was the hero, scoring both goals to hand his side the points they needed. Rangers finished the 38-game campaign on 68 points, edging out runners-up Rivers United by a single point.
The success, delivered under coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, is the club's second league title in three years and draws them level with Enyimba's record of nine NPFL championships. It also earns Rangers a place in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with Rivers United qualifying alongside them as runners-up.
There was one sour note: Rivers United eliminated Enugu Rangers in the Round of 32 of the Federation Cup, ending any hopes of a domestic double. That setback, however, did little to diminish the scale of the league achievement.
Enugu erupts in celebration
Rangers' triumph ignited euphoric scenes across Enugu State. Thousands of supporters took to the streets for a trophy parade that wound through the city's major thoroughfares before concluding at Okpara Square. The squad then visited the Enugu State Government House, where they received a hero's welcome that was broadcast well beyond the state's borders.
The club's previous title wins came in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 2016, and 2023/24 — a roll call that places this current group in elite company. Back-to-back successes within three years suggest Ilechukwu's side could be building toward a period of sustained dominance.
Governor Mbah rewards the champions
Governor Peter Mbah hosted the squad and staff at a special dinner reception at Government House to mark the occasion. He announced that each player would receive a plot of land in Enugu as well as a share of ₦100 million in cash. The coaching staff and management were awarded a further ₦50 million, bringing the total cash reward to ₦150 million. Individual plots of land were also allocated to General Manager Amobi Ezeaku, head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the club secretary, and the assistant coach.
Mbah described the title as
