Rangers International secured their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title after battling to a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes, led by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, started brightly and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Chidiebere Nwobodo.
Nwobodo completed his brace 10 minutes into the second half to hand Rangers firm control of the encounter before Moses Ali reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Rangers held on to secure all three points and confirm their place as NPFL champions with 68 points from 38 matches.
Rivers United finished the season in second position after a dominant 3-0 victory against Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
Chijioke Mbaoma netted twice for Rivers United, while Aniekeme Okon added the third goal to complete an impressive performance for the Port Harcourt side.
Shooting Stars Sports Club claimed third place and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converted from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime to hand Tornadoes a crucial victory.
Elsewhere, Enyimba FC preserved their top-flight status with a convincing 3-0 home win over El-Kanemi Warriors.
Stanley Dimgba scored twice for the People’s Elephant before Uwana Asuquo added a late third goal. The defeat confirmed El-Kanemi Warriors’ relegation to the Nigeria National League.
Plateau United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos, with Victor Dawa scoring the winner deep into stoppage time.
At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa United recorded the biggest victory of the final day after thrashing Kwara United 4-0.
Peter Ebimobiwei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom, and Nneoyi Ofem all found the net for the hosts.
In Kano, Barau FC defeated Nasarawa United 3-0 courtesy of goals from Joseph Atule, Sunday Anthony, and Adamu Hussein.
Final Matchday Results
- Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Shooting Stars
- Enyimba 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
- Bayelsa United 4-0 Kwara United
- Bendel Insurance 1-1 Remo Stars
- Ikorodu City 1-2 Rangers
- Rivers United 3-0 Katsina United
- Warri Wolves 2-1 Abia Warriors
- Plateau United 1-0 Kano Pillars
- Barau FC 3-0 Nasarawa United