Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Sunday, emerged winners of the 2023/24 Nigerian Premier League after defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0. The game was played at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The Fidelis Ilechukwu-coached team garnered 67 points with a game in hand. Second-placed Remo Stars have 63 points. The feat is Rangers’ eighth time of winning the elusive trophy.
THE WHISTLER reports that Enugu Rangers, popularly called the Flying Antelopes, will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions Leagues in the 2024 season.
Rangers International Football Club, formed after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, won their first Premier League title in 1974, and they have since won the coveted trophy in 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, and 1987.
A sports analyst, Cyprian Ajah, commended Governor Peter Mbah for supporting the club.
He said the renovation of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, nicknamed the Cathedral, was the magic wand that propelled Rangers to the victory following home support.
Hitherto, Rangers played their games at Awka Township Stadium in Anambra State.
The Flying Antelopes scored their first goal against Insurance in the 33rd minute. Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled their advantage in the 65th minute but their confirmation as winners was almost being dragged to the final day as Remo and Enyimba, who had gone down by a goal each in their respective games, both equalised.
A draw for Remo would have left Rangers in contention for the title, but their chances were blown by two late goals.
Enugu Rangers Defeat Bendel Insurance, Win Nigeria’s Premier League is first published on The Whistler Newspaper