The city of Enugu exploded with joy on Tuesday as Rangers International held their trophy parade for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League. This parade celebrated their historic ninth league title and confirmed their status as a major force in Nigerian football.
Thousands of fans came out to cheer the new champions. Players, coaches, and club officials took part in a victory procession through different parts of the Coal City. The celebrations wrapped up at the famous Okpara Square.
The trophy parade marked the end of a memorable season. The Flying Antelopes faced tough competition from Rivers United to reclaim their top spot in Nigerian football.
Rangers clinched the 2025/26 NPFL title on Sunday, 24 May, 2026. They did this in a thrilling final match against Ikorodu City in Lagos.
Before this important game, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team knew they had to win to secure the championship, no matter what happened elsewhere. Their task was harder because Ikorodu City had not lost a home game all season.
But Rangers stepped up and won 2-1, taking the title in hostile territory. This victory capped off one of the most competitive title races in recent NPFL history.
Their win came even as Rivers United beat Katsina United 3-0 in Port Harcourt on the same day.
In the end, Rangers topped the table with 68 points, just one point ahead of Rivers United, who finished with 67 points. This shows how closely matched both teams were in such a tough campaign.
After their success, the champions returned home to a hero’s welcome.
The parade took them through key areas of Enugu. Supporters waved club colours and sang victory songs to celebrate a title that many say reflects the club’s resilience and character.
A highlight of the celebrations was a visit to the Enugu State Government House. The team was welcomed by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mbah.
The governor honored the champions for their achievement and for bringing pride to the state through their sports excellence.
The parade concluded at Okpara Square, where many fans gathered to celebrate with players and coaching staff.
This latest title adds to Rangers’ proud history as one of Nigeria’s top football clubs.
Since their founding in 1970, the Flying Antelopes have become one of the country’s most iconic teams. They have produced many stars and consistently compete at the highest level.
The 2025/26 title joins their previous league titles from 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 2016, and 2023/24.
More importantly, this win brings Rangers to nine league titles, tying them with Enyimba as the most successful club in Nigerian top-flight history.
For a club that is a key part of Nigerian football, matching that record is a big achievement and reinforces their status as one of the strongest teams in the country.
As celebrations continue in Enugu, focus will soon shift to the next challenge.
As NPFL champions, Rangers will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season. They aim to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.
For now, though, Enugu belongs to the Flying Antelopes.
After a season filled with pressure, hard work, and a title race that went down to the last minute, Rangers have earned their moment of celebration, and the city is making sure they enjoy every bit of it.
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